Ann Regan Papariello

Ann Regan Papariello, 58, of Wayne, PA died peacefully at home on April 8, 2022, surrounded by her family. Annie grew up in Radnor, Pa. She was the fourth of Mary Anne and Ted Regan’s five children, and throughout her childhood the Regan’s home was overflowing with life and laughter. 

A member of Radnor High School’s class of 1982, Annie was a standout in the classroom and on the tennis, gymnastics and lacrosse teams. In a nod to her natural, quiet leadership, she was voted captain of all three sports teams as well as vice president of her class. She graduated from Williams College in 1986 and moved to Washington, DC. where she worked for a small law firm.

Annie married Chris Papariello whom she had met at her school bus stop at age 15.  Annie and Chris were friends in high school but did not start dating until they met while home from college on winter break. They became inseparable after that first date and were married in 1988.  They enjoyed a 33-year honeymoon and travelled often to destinations such as Ireland, Italy and California.

Annie and Chris raised their sons, Regan, Brendan and Desmond in East Goshen, PA. They named their family the “Pap 5”.  Annie was a devoted mom, who happily supported her sons’ every endeavors. Annie was an active volunteer at Malvern Prep and an enthusiastic sports Mom. She was a born nurturer and made a point of savoring everyday moments. Her grounded, wise spirit was the touchstone for their family. 

In 2011, Annie and Chris moved to their dream home in Villanova down the street from their bus stop where they first met.  Annie learned how to make wine and they built a winery in their carriage house. Annie and Chris hosted many parties and charity events over the years.  Annie was always a gifted hostess, with her warm, easy conversation and ready laugh.  She enjoyed creating delicious meals and hosting family and friends.  “The Pap 5” often gathered in their beautiful farmhouse, relaxing around a delicious spread Annie had created – seemingly without effort – easily chatting as the wine flowed.

While genuinely connected to so many, Annie was her own person. She set her own standards, resisted divisive topics, and had no interest in social media. If a conversation took a negative or gossipy turn, she would find a way to get it back on positive ground.  Annie read voraciously but never took herself too seriously. No matter the conversation, an Annie laugh was right around the corner.

A life-long athlete, in later years Annie played on many White Manor Country Club tennis, paddle and golf teams. With each team, her circle of admirers grew larger.  

Throughout her two-year battle with cancer, her embrace of the fight spoke volumes about her spirit. She was charming to all around her; and she courageously tried to ease moments that she knew were hard on everyone else. Illness didn’t alter Annie’s character: natural leadership and quiet grace remained front and center. Chris nicknamed her the “Graceful Warrior”. Due to COVID, the journey was essentially time shared between Annie and Chris, and the love and commitment between them was ever present.  Only Annie and Chris could make a cancer battle look romantic.

While Annie embraced life to the end she also was not afraid of what was ahead. Her prayers brought her peace. She was no stranger to loss, and early grief had – rather than render her broken or bitter - only strengthened her faith.  

Just last fall, Annie eulogized her beloved dad. There was a collective holding of breath as her now-frail frame gingerly approached the lectern, but her voice rang out and was incredibly strong. She made everyone laugh as she imagined her Father in Heaven, doing the Sunday crossword; a passion they shared. As she spoke, she was strong, loving, clever, funny, and true; and everyone found themselves suddenly uplifted. It was, of course, classic Annie.

Deeply loved as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend, Annie will be greatly missed.

Annie is survived by her husband Chris Papariello; their sons Regan, Brendan and Desmond Papariello; her mother Mary Anne Regan; her sisters Tracey Papariello  (Tak) and Alison Edwards (Neill); her brother Jeffrey Regan (Ellen); her mother and father-in-law Kathleen and Gerald Papariello; her sister-in-law Kathleen Larkin (Tom); her brother-in-law Steve Papariello (Judy); and 12 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father Ted Regan and her brother Teddy Regan.

A Visitation will be held at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 followed by an 11:00 AM Mass at Saint Katharine of Siena Church 104 S. Aberdeen Ave., Wayne, PA and a reception at Aronimink Golf Club will immediately follow after the ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Annie’s name (Ann Papariello) to the “American Cancer Society Healed Program” at www.acshealed.com or by check to 1818 Market St. Suite 2820, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181 www.DellaFH.com