It all started with a young girl in Upper Darby, PA—she was quite the tomboy. She was so talented in baseball that her father fought for her to join the boys' team, and she succeeded. This girl is MaryAnn Pastalone, Owner and founder of North Star Home Care, LLC. Her story is one of resilience and compassion, shaped by life's challenges and triumphs.

     MaryAnn's journey hasn’t been easy. Her father passed away from a heart condition when she was just 12 years old. Her mother, a remarkable woman, born with a rare genetic disorder, overcame numerous lifelong medical challenges to support her five children. After the death of her husband, she went back to school to become a computer programmer driven to be able to provide and care for her family.

     From a young age, MaryAnn was a caretaker at heart. At just 14 she would travel from Upper Darby to Havertown every weekend, to care for her grandmother. MaryAnn was also the person her mother's friends would call should they need assistance with their own aging parents. This caring and compassionate spirit led her to want to become a nurse. Unfortunately, due to the economic realities of being part of a single-parent household, MaryAnn did not have the opportunity to attend nursing school right away. 

     It was the very day her father died that MaryAnn first met her husband, Louie. He had heard a neighborhood kid lost her father and felt compelled to offer his condolences. Though their age difference sparked initial concern, their bond grew stronger over time, leading to a beautiful partnership. When she graduated at the age of 17, MaryAnn got her first job working as a secretary at a law firm. When this proved to be hugely understimulating, MaryAnn decided to take a position at a specialty dog tag company in Ardmore, PA. She worked here for about 4 years. At the age of 21, she married Louie and by 22 they were expecting their first daughter. MaryAnn was able to quit her job and be a stay-at-home mom to her four daughters.

     Life took a challenging turn when, while pregnant with their third daughter and just two days before Christmas, Louie was diagnosed with a rare genetic cancer. For twelve long years, MaryAnn watched her husband battle the disease, only to face the unimaginable reality of raising their four daughters alone after his passing. Amid this struggle, she was fortunate to receive a life insurance payout from Louie’s employer, allowing her to finally pursue her dream of attending nursing school.

     Her experiences in the healthcare system revealed a disheartening truth: patients were often treated as mere numbers rather than individuals deserving of compassionate care. She wanted something different, something genuine. Fueled by her passion for genuine service, she established North Star Home Care, LLC—a beacon of hope and quality care in an impersonal industry.

     MaryAnn's vision is clear: provide exceptional care that puts people first. Her team of dedicated caregivers is handpicked for their compassion and commitment, ensuring that each client receives the personalized attention they deserve. North Star Home Care, LLC offers innovative solutions such as the Electronic Caregiver Premier Series, providing 24/7 support, personalized medication reminders, activity check-ins, GPS tracking, and on-demand physician services through Pocket MD—all at half the price of traditional options.

     MaryAnn's story is one of resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to improving lives. In a world where aging can often mean losing independence, she invites you to embrace support without sacrificing dignity. With North Star Home Care, LLC, you become part of a community that truly cares. As you consider the best for your loved ones, remember MaryAnn Pastalone—a woman who knew what she was up against but followed her heart to create a legacy of care. Let her passion inspire you to prioritize safety, happiness, and health. Join the North Star Homecare family and experience the difference compassion can make. Because when it comes to caring for your loved ones, only the best will do.

     Now residing in Chester County with her two youngest daughters, her grandson, and her beloved Shih Tzu, Tater Tot, MaryAnn has also found love again. Her relationship with Rich Macsitti, a longtime family friend and fellow widow, blossomed through shared experiences of grief. Rich proposed at MaryAnn's 50th birthday celebration, surrounded by loved ones—a beautiful testament to new beginnings. Finally, after 7 ½ years of engagement, they were finally married on October 12th, 2024.