Paula Macchietto

Paula was born over 98 years ago in Galeton, PA to Nina and Joseph Osani. She was the youngest of ten children in an Italian-Catholic family. As a child, Paula lived in Long Island, NY where her and her family survived the Great Depression with hard work and innovative ways to get by. She met her husband, Tony, at St. Patrick's Cathedral in NY while serving at a USO event for soldiers during WWII. Just like in the song "Some Enchanted Evening," their eyes met across a crowded room and the rest is history! They wed in New York City on September 1, 1946 and were married for 61 years. They were very much in love - true role models! Tony and Paula then moved to Omaha where Tony's family lived. They also lived in Kansas City, MO for awhile before Tony's job brought them to Detroit for 30 years where they raised their two daughters, Sharon and Diane. Paula was very involved with their church, St. Gemma, where she was President of the Altar Society. Her goal was to get as many parish women as possible to work for the good of the church and school. She was tenacious in encouraging women to volunteer! She also worked at Frank's Nursery as a floral designer. Paula's hobby was dressmaking including making her daughters' Halloween costumes, one of which was a pumpkin with no arm holes (oops)! She was also a Girl Scout Leader and Troop Organizer with girls from Brownies through middle school.

     After Tony's retirement, they moved back to Omaha to be with family. In their retirement years, they traveled the world. Her favorite destinations were Italy and Alaska. She also enjoyed being a Eucharistic Minister at Bergan Mercy Hospital for many years. Paula was an outstanding woman, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend and was loved by all! Her greatest loves were her husband, family, and dog Candi as well as spending time with her granddaughters and their families which included four great-grandkids.  Paula loved to read biographies, watch game shows, create floral arrangements, watch NE and MI football games and NE Women's volleyball games. She also loved dressing up for Halloween including just last year's! 

     Paula was preceded in death by her husband, Tony; her daughters Elaine and Diane; her brothers-in-law Charlie Macchietto, Joe Macchietto and Rex Earl; her sisters-in-law Fran Macchietto and Anastasia Macchietto. She is survived by her daughter Sharon and son-in-law Joe Cooney; granddaughters Colleen Ballard (BJ) and Melissa Gregory (Kyle); great-grandchildren Brock, Lucy, Mira and Ian; sisters-in-law Celeste Earl and Edie Macchietto; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

     Memorials are suggested to Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo.  Elephants were Paula's favorite animals and she often donated to their care.