Marion Paolella

January 31, 1932 - February 28, 2025

St. Dorothy Church

4910 Township Line Road

Drexel Hill, PA 19026

Saturday 3/15, 9:30 am - 10:45 am

St. Dorothy Church

4910 Township Line Road

Drexel Hill, PA 19026

Saturday 3/15, 11:00 am

On Friday, February 28, 2025, Marion Paolella of Drexel Hill, PA was called home to be with the Lord.

Marion (nee Fanelli) was 93 years young. She was predeceased by her husband (of 70 years), Salvatore Paolella, Sr., her son, Salvatore Jr., her grandson David, her parents Rose (nee Plantier) and Joseph Fanelli, her sister Theresa Fanelli and dear brother Charles Fanelli.

Loving mother of Lorraine Hutchinson, Linda Peifer, Karen Massaro and mother-in-law of Patricia Paolella. Devoted “Memom” to grandchildren Jamie, Christopher (Mary), Matthew (Samantha), Krista (Alec), Johnny “JD” (Tricia) and Michael, in addition to seven great grandchildren.

Marion will also be missed by many loving extended family members and friends.

More than anything, Marion was all about family. She loved being surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. It was something she took so much pride and pleasure in – especially with her “infamous Sunday dinners.” On Sunday mornings, sounds from Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin could be heard throughout her kitchen while she prepared her family size pot of “gravy” to be enjoyed by her family and friends around her dining room table.

She was an avid tennis player and she loved to entertain everyone with her singing and dancing. Anyone who knew Marion will remember her beautiful voice. Marion and Sal always kept the party going whether they were in Drexel Hill, Naples, Florida or the Jersey shore where they made many lifelong friends and memories through the years.

Marion was a devoted parishioner of St. Dorothy’s Church which she loved to attend with members of her family. She especially loved the Christmas Eve service at the church and always got such a kick out of Father Murphy as he walked his dog “Bear” out to greet everyone.

In the last five years of her life, mom found immense joy in attending Michael’s school concerts. These evenings became the highlight of her world, filling her with pride and excitement. She cheered louder than anyone, her voice ringing out with a proud “Yay, Michael!”—a tradition that soon made her a beloved fixture at every performance. The audience embraced her enthusiasm, often applauding her just as much as the musicians on stage. People even began saving her a seat in the front row, recognizing how much these moments meant to her. It was a testament to her warmth, her unwavering love for family, and the joy she brought to those around her. Mom’s presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit—so full of love and celebration—will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Relatives & friends are invited to attend her Viewing on Saturday, March 15th from 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM followed by her Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM ALL IN CHURCH St. Dorothy’s Church 4910 Township Line Rd, Drexel Hill, PA 19026.

Contributions in Marion’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://act.alz.org

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St. Dorothy Church

4910 Township Line Road

Drexel Hill, PA 19026

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Saturday 3/15, 9:30 am - 10:45 am

St. Dorothy Church

4910 Township Line Road

Drexel Hill, PA 19026

Map

Saturday 3/15, 11:00 am

On Friday, February 28, 2025, Marion Paolella of Drexel Hill, PA was called home to be with the Lord. Marion (nee Fanelli) was 93 years young. She was predeceased by her husband (of 70 years), Salvatore Paolella, Sr., her son, Salvatore Jr., her grandson David, her parents Rose (nee Plantier) and Joseph Fanelli, herContinue Reading

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Marion was such a fun& loving person! I enjoyed paying tennis w her her. At the Jersey shore where we made wonderful memories. She always loved to entertain all of us! She was loved!

I am so sad to hear the news of Mrs. Paoella's passing. What a fun, talented, loving woman she was. The tennis, St. Dorothy's, Seashore group sure had many fun and happy times together. I found so many pictures of their shenanigans while going through my parents' house. I believe she was the last surviving original member of the "Virginia Fats" tennis group. So we know there were many friends greeting her at the pearly gates. May your happy memories get you through these sad days ahead. ~Patti (Henny) Stocker

I know Mary and Karen for a few months and we became good friends. She was beautiful inside and out with nice voice. My condolences to Karen and family. She’s at at the better place now. I miss you.

Rest in peace Marion, and Karen you took care of your mom beautifully, you will be in Peace knowing you took great care of your Mom ! Love you , Joy

So sorry Karen family and Chuck and Carol and Cheryl.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Aunt Marion was one of a kind, always the showman . She almost made it when she appeared on Johnny Carson singing her Drip drip went the faucet song. Her house was always filled with food, family and friends. Sometimes like family when the years pass so does the closeness. But, she always remained in my heart and soul. May her memory be a blessing! My condolences to my cousins who growing up with them was a blast. Love, Cheryl

Remembering Marian with Fond and Loving Thoughts. At the age of 4 to 9 I lived down the street from my cousins- Being with the Paolella Family daily was so Exciting & Fun for me and I cherish those Memories. After we moved, Marian never forgot about me. She continued to include me in their lives, going out of her way to pick me up to take me to the Pool so I could be with my Cousins. “That was Marian” always thinking of others, always thinking of others. I cherish those Memories and I am Blessed to have had her in my life. What a Fun & Loving Person - to be a part of that Family was so rewarding! She did this for years. I know where you are now Marian - Heavenly Bliss and well deserved! Love and Thank You Joanne

Rest in peace my dear friend. So many wonderful memories at your house in Drexel Hill and Margate. Thank you for always including our family in your celebrations. Now you are free and you can rejoin your husband, your son and your grandson and enjoy your family in heaven. We love you.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.

Marion Paolella

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