Lee Ann Papelino

Lee Ann Papelino, 56, of Norwich and Sherburne passed away on Monday, February 20, 2023 following a stay at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Utica, NY.

Born on January 7, 1967, Lee Ann was the daughter of Michael Papelino and Rosalie Taranto. She grew up in Norwich and graduated from Norwich High School in 1985. Lee Ann worked for many years as a waitress and bartender at the iconic Blue Bird Restaurant in Norwich, which her family owned. She also waitressed at Nina’s Pizzeria and Restaurant in Norwich before she worked as a diet aide at Chenango Memorial Hospital. Lee Ann was a huge Wizard of Oz fan, enjoyed reading, loved unicorns and butterflies, but most of all, dog.

Lee Ann is survived by her mother, Rosalie (Gary) Gibbon, of Norwich; siblings, Steven (Angelica) Papelino, Kyle (Elizabeth) Papelino, and Maria Papelino; aunt, JoAnn Papelino; uncles, Joseph (Debby) Taranto, Jan (Mary Anne) Papelino, Michael (Nancy) Gibbon, Randy (Gloria) Gibbon, and Jim Gibbon; and many cousins. She was predeceased by her father, Michael Papelino in 2007; and uncles Paul Taranto, Thomas Taranto, and Thomas Papelino.

Funeral services for Lee Ann will be held at 6:00 p.m., Saturday, February 25, 2023, at the Wilson Funeral Home, where the Lay Pastor, Glen “Whit” Whitaker, of the Columbus Community Church, will officiate. Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home, in Norwich, from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Burial will occur in the spring of 2023 in St. Paul’s Cemetery.

Contributions in memory of Lee Ann may be made to the Chenango County SPCA, 6160 County Rd 32, Norwich, NY 13815 or to the Columbus Community Church, 3908 State Route 80, Sherburne, NY 13460.