Callista "Cookie" Fauls Paolangeli

“If it’s not an ass, it’s an elbow” might seem a rather odd way to start an obituary, especially for a woman whose deep and profound Catholic faith was one of the core tenets of her life. But Cookie Paolangeli would have laughed and approved, it being one of her favorite sayings when anyone told her about an ache, an aggravation or a misfortune. It was passed down from her beloved Irish mother. She knew how to balance caring about and helping others with a mischievous sense of humor.

Callista Rose (Fauls) Paolangeli, better known as “Cookie,” was born in Ithaca on April 24, 1933 to Catherine and Kenneth Fauls. She lived most of her 93 years within a five block radius of downtown Ithaca, including the last 65 years in a big house on South Geneva Street. She passed away peacefully in that same house, surrounded by family, on Sunday September 6, 2026.

Cookie is survived by her one true love, her high school sweetheart and devoted husband of almost 72 years, Rudy Paolangeli. The two remained deeply committed to each other through whatever challenges life presented (especially with five kids).

She is survived by those five children: Thomas M. Paolangeli (Leslie); Daniel Paolangeli (Barrie); Catherine Paolangeli (Graham); Patrick Paolangeli (Patricia), and Timothy Paolangeli (Robin), as well as eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Cookie was predeceased by her sister Bernadine, and is survived by her brother Thomas Fauls (Donna) and sister Mary Ann Giglio (Santo, deceased).

After Cookie’s kids were old enough to be in school, she re-entered the work force. Eventually she joined Ithaca City Hall as a Deputy Clerk in 1977, and became the first female Ithaca City Clerk in 1986. She retired from that position in 1995.

In retirement she stayed active, serving the community by volunteering at Loaves and Fishes as well as serving on the Board of Trustees at McGraw House. She also served on various committees at Immaculate Conception Church.

Cookie found delight in many things: reading, people watching, shopping for bargains, old TV comedies, MGM musicals, all things Irish and/or Catholic, babies, elephants, real Christmas trees, candles, small statues of bunnies and angels, big family meals, and having friends over for five o’clock wine, cheese and crackers.

She especially enjoyed Catholic Mass, either in-person when she was able to attend, and on television when she wasn’t.

Cookie loved music and singing. Even in her later years, as Alzheimer’s disease affected her, she retained an incredible memory for songs and lyrics. She especially loved show tunes and popular music of the 40’s thru 70’s. Just start a song and Cookie would chime in and complete it.

In the last few years, despite health challenges, Cookie remained the same warm, caring, joyful person. There’s no way to truly capture her essence in a few words, but as one of the wonderful Classen health aides who helped take care of her remarked, “Cookie is a cross between Mother Mary and Mary Poppins.”

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 11, at Immaculate Conception Church followed by her burial at Calvary Cemetery, Ithaca, NY. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Loaves and Fishes or Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.