Pasqualina Camarata

The beloved and devoted Pasqualina Camarata peacefully passed over into the arms of God while in her home of over 50 years on January 2, 2023.

She was born in Ariano Irpino, Italy on November 7, 1927 to Maria and Pasquale Masuccio who lived off the land and had two other children: Federico and Rosine Masuccio.

She married her late husband Salvatore Camarata on April 25, 1953 when he traveled to Italy. Eventually, Pasqualina joined Salvatore and immigrated to America. After arriving at Ellis Island, she took a train to Washington where they eventually settled in Ellensburg for over five decades.

Pasqualina's family was of utmost importance to her and she always took care to watch over them, as she will continue to do in the afterlife.

She joined her late husband Salvatore, her late mother Maria Aronica and her late brother Federico Masuccio in heaven. She gave birth to four loving children in Ellensburg: Mary Ann Coy (Terry), Salvadore Patrick Camarata, Gene Angelo Camarata, and David Joseph Camarata (Alena) who carry her legacy onward. David and Alena gave Pasqualina three grandchildren: Matthew, Katherine and Michael Camarata.

Pasqualina was surrounded by the love of her children and all of her grandchildren, who lived within a few miles of her for most of their lives.

Pasqualina was as caring as she was generous, in spirit, honesty and delicious Sunday feasts after mass at St. Andrew's.

She wouldn't let a stomach rumble in her presence, and she would be quick to exclaim "mangia" or "eat" in Italian when a plate of homemade pizza or a bowl of pasta e pisili was left unattended at her table.

Pasqualina fostered a fruitful career at Twin City Foods where she met friends that she carried with her throughout her lifetime. She was never without the warmth of a caring soul around her as she was visited frequently by nieces and nephews.

Her kitchen table held many a chess tournament between her sons, homemade chocolate chip and walnut cookies and enough singing light-up toys to entertain her famiglia.

Pasqualina overcame adversity, immigrating in a post-WWII era and starting over from the ground up in the hopes of giving her family new opportunities.

Her prolific garden was the envy of many visitors with bountiful rows of peppers, corn tomatoes, peas and more reaching toward the sky every summer, providing ingredients for countless holiday meals around her fireplace.

Over the past few years, Pasqualina spent most of her time reflecting in her home. Her family brought special meals and showered her with gifts for her birthday, Thanksgiving and Christmas, all occurring shortly before her passing, just like old times.

Pasqualina wanted her loved ones to find strength through hardship and persevere against all odds with faith. Her lessons will live on in the hearts of those who remain in her wake. Pasqualina will unite once more with her husband, mother, brother and many others as she leaves all pain behind.

Viewing will be at Johnston & Williams Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 6, 2023 and the Rosary will be prayed Friday evening at 7:15 p.m. at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Ellensburg. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 7 also at St. Andrew’s with vault interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams Funeral Home of Ellensburg.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com

PLEASE NOTE: (January 11, 2024) -- The recording of this service has been archived and removed from our server.  If you wish to obtain a copy of this recording on a thumb drive, please contact our office.