PANZA

EVELINA (FERRARO)

Passed away peacefully on May 8, 2026.

Her husband, Rocco Panza, and Evelina immigrated to America in 1966 from San Pietro in Guarano, Calabria, Italy, along with their three young children, Augie, Frank, and Rose.

She made the courageous journey in leaving her parents, Giuseppe and Aida; and her siblings, Mario and Yolanda, behind. We thanked her many times for doing something we probably could not do ourselves. She was blessed to have had the loving members of Rocco's family in her new country and home of Sharpsburg, PA.

Mom was a proud homemaker, and what a home she made. It was filled with love, happiness, and an example of hard work. Sunday dinners and holidays were all celebrated together as a family. Christmas Eve remains the "Best Day of the Year." She was quiet and happy to be doing the work in the background. If her children were doing big projects in their homes, she always prepared lunch for the workers. Dad was the outgoing one who served as the boss! If we were sick, you could count on a large container of chicken noodle soup.

While most of her life was lived in Sharpsburg, for the past decade she lived with her daughter, Rose, and her husband, Andy. While living with them, she created strong ties to Andy's children Lauren (who we are sure was a member of the welcoming committee in heaven), Dena, and Andrew, Jr. and was lovingly known as Zizi to their children. Rose was a faithful daughter who cared for both parents, and when she had to make the painful decision to move Mom into the Willows, she set the bar too high for anyone else to reach. She was there daily to care for Mom. Andy was a dedicated son-in-law, and Mom always remembered him to the end, and if he wasn't with her, she was asking for him.

Mom is survived by her children, Augie (Sandy), Frank (Brenda), and Rose (Andy). Her brother, Mario. Her grandchildren, whom she adored, Melissa (Nick), Jason (Amy), Joseph (Nikki), Gabrielle (Sean), Samuel, and Isaac. More joy came along with great-grandchildren, Nolan, Noelle, Olivia, Kendall, and Luca.

She was predeceased by her husband, Rocco; her parents and sister; and her son-in-law, Frank.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Willows, most especially Bella De Nana (Jamie) and Bella De Nana Two (Christine) and Chris for their loving care throughout Mom's time at the home. Also, to Bridges Hospice for their support these last few days.

Friends received Tuesday, from 2-8 p.m., at SLATER FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., SHARPSBURG. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Christ the King Parish in Madonna of Jerusalem Church on Wednesday at 10 a.m.