Elizabeth “Betty” McFall Canigiani, 82, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Friday, April 17, 2026. Born Sept. 1, 1942, in Seld o m Seen, Belle Vernon, Betty’s first job was as an usher and “candy girl” at the Manis Theatre. Her time there was shortlived after she was asked to reprimand a group of loud teens. She replied, “I could never do something like that!” — and just like that, her movie theater career came to an end. Betty never had it in her to raise her voice at anyone — unless, of course, she was singing along to a Supremes chorus or a good old Carrie Underwood song. Betty truly danced her way through life. To her, everyone she met was a movie star or famous musician — she had a gift for making people feel seen, often telling them how beautiful or handsome they were and which celebrity they resembled. She tried her hand at many activities — bowling, ceramics, and card clubs — but her greatest joy was always found in time spent with family and friends. Betty never longed for what some might call a “better life” — she already had it. Presque Isle on Lake Erie was her private island, and the mountains of Cameron County were her Swiss Alps. Watching the kids fish or sitting by a campfire as it slowly burned down brought her more joy than anything else ever could. Betty loved everyone equally — and equally at the highest level. She never forgot a friend and forgave in a heartbeat. She truly was an angel on earth. She is survived by her husband, James P. Canigiani, to whom she was married 61 years; her sons and daughters-in-law, James and Michele Canigiani, and Daniel and Shelley Canigiani; her grandchildren, Hayley and Sebastian; her step-grandchildren, Kylie and Sydney Salka; and the apples of her eye, her great-grandchildren, Colby, Casey and Callie; two sisters, Patricia and Donald Hall; and Linda Mood and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Carol; her husband, James; her nephew, Jimmy Pascarelli; her father, John McFall; her mother, Audrey; and her stepfather, Samuel Roberts. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at PARZYNSKI FUNERAL HOME & CREMATIONS LLC, family owned and operated, 626 Broad Ave., Belle Vernon, 724-9296183. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Parzynski Funeral Home & Cremations LLC with the Rev. Michael Thomas of St. Sebastian R.C. Church officiating. Interment will take place in Belle Vernon Cemetery. Condolences accepted at the funeral home’s website, www.parzynskifuneralhome.com.
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