Santa P. (Cuccia) VanNess

Santa Pauline Van Ness

Santa Pauline VanNess, 91, departed her loving family on July 8, 2022.

Born on All Saints’ Day, Nov. 1, 1930, “Saint Pauline” lived every bit of her 91 years to the fullest. She called the shots at every stage of her life – and ours – until her last breath. 

To paraphrase the obituary she wrote for herself, that we can’t find, but remember reading (where the heck is that, anyway?), she will be remembered fondly by many and all who knew her.

She is survived by her family who will miss her fiercely –

Daughters Cynthia and Deborah, sons William (Nancy) and Mark; grandchildren Kerry (Brent), Billy (Nancy), Aaron (Christina), Rachel (Zach), Brianna (Jeremy), Amber (Garon), Daisy, Zach, and Bridger; great-granddaughters Kaige, Thea, Van, Reigh, Fern, and Palmer and great-grandsons Reed William and Max.

She was loved and adored by many, especially her nieces and nephews. Kenny, we thank you for everything. 

Her friends were second to none and she was blessed with the best – Aunt Marie, all these years, you outdid yourself. Betty, thank you.

She was preceded in death by the true saint, her husband, our dad and grampa, Billy. 

The last of nine siblings remaining, her passing marks the end of an era. We take comfort in knowing that she is with not only her beloved husband (hon), but Aunt Mary, Aunt Bella, Uncle Carmine, Aunt Jo, Aunt Vee, Aunt Fran, Uncle Frank, and Uncle Jack.

Paulie was a pillar of the Catholic community of Our Lady of Fatima, the parish she held dear, for 70 years.

We can only hope to have a shred of the tenacity, ferocity, and vivacious spirit she embodied.

We’re good, Mom. We’ve got it from here, Gramma.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to Our Lady of Fatima Church.

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