Jean Pascarella

It is with great sadness the family of Jean Pascarella, of Salamanca, NY, is announcing her passing at Hickory Hills Alzheimer's Special Care Center in Hendersonville, TN, on the morning of August 29, 2020. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and wonderful wife.

Born June 15, 1950 in Elmira, NY, she was the daughter of the late Tom and Betty Elsen. She was married for 48 years to Frank Pascarella, who survives.

Jean was a graduate of Archbishop Walsh High School, Class of 1968, earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Brockport State College in 1971 and her Master’s Degree from Fredonia State College in 1976. She then received her Administrative Certificate from St. Bonaventure University.

She dedicated her working career first as a teacher, and then as an elementary school principal in the Salamanca Central School District for 38 years, retiring in June 2009. She had fond memories of the Prospect Elementary School faculty, and of course all the students who passed through all the years. She was a past vice president of the Salamanca Teacher’s Association and a member of the Association of Comprehensive Educators. Education and children were her passion. She also worked as a real estate agent at Ye Olde Towne & Country in Ellicottville, for a short period of time.

Jean was a member of the Elkdale Country Club and Our Lady of Peace Parish where she taught Sunday School. She enjoyed rides on the Harley, skiing, country line dancing, boating on the Allegany Reservoir, golfing, and gathering together with lifelong friends in their girls’ club.

Surviving besides her husband are: two sons, Andy (Kristie Mendell) Pascarella, Ellicottville, NY, Logan (Ashley) Pascarella, Hendersonville, TN; two grandchildren McKinley (6) and Ellasyn (4) Pascarella; a brother, Joe (Damie) Elsen, Glenwood, CO; a sister Kathie Elsen Hobbs, Fredonia, NY; nieces and nephews, Jimmy Elsen, Brandon Hobbs, Greg Spako, Julie Spako, Brian Spako, Annie Marie Spako; in-laws, Dennis & Kathy Pascarella, and their children, Kiki & Kolleen, Nashville, TN, Khris & Pam Pascarella and their children Addy & CeCe, Franklin, TN.

A Memorial Mass will be held in Our Lady of Peace Parish on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 10 a.m. with Rev. Mariusz Sierhart, pastor, as celebrant.

Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Ellicottville, NY.

The family would like to thank all of the friends that helped care for Jean throughout her long battle with Alzheimer's. Jean was a warm and caring person with an infectious laugh, and a friend to many.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or Empire Animal Rescue Society (EARS), P.O. Box 445, Salamanca, NY.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.