Leola Jean Paganucci Burns passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 10, 2010, at the young age of 66. Hearts are breaking near and far at the sudden loss of this wonderful woman.
A Gilroy native, Leola was born on August 24, 1943 to Leo and Evelyn Paganucci. She attended St. Mary School and was a graduate of the Gilroy High School Class of 1961. She married her husband of thirty years, Tom Burns on January 10, 1970. She was a devoted mom to her daughters Jennifer and Julie; and loving “Bamma” to her five grandchildren Gabbi, Mandi, Madison, Hayden and Jazzi.
It was the simple things in life that brought Leola the most joy; having lunch with a friend, going to the movies, crocheting an afghan, reading a good book, spending time with her family, and of course, watching T.V.
Leola was loved by many and will be forever missed. Although her life on earth may have come to a sudden end, her beautiful spirit will live on through her children, grandchildren, family and friends. Leola is survived by daughters and sons-in-law Jennifer and Luke Corona, Julie and John Miller; grandchildren Gabrielle, Amanda and Jazlynn Miller, Madison and Hayden Corona; sister Gemma Castro; nieces, nephew and their spouses Lori and Steve Parshall, Lisa and Tom Weiby, Jeff and Henrietta Castro; grandnephews and grandnieces Tim and Rebecca Parshall, Sarah and Michelle Weiby, Alyssa and Justin Castro; and co-worker and best friend Kathleen Holzwart.
Leola was preceded in death by her husband Tom Burns, her parents Leo and Evelyn Paganucci, brother-in-law Eddie Castro and Kubikat, the Himalayan cat that she absolutely adored.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 from 1:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M., with the Rosary taking place at 7:00 P.M. at Habing Family Funeral Home, 129 Fourth Street, Gilroy, CA. Funeral services will begin at Habing Family Funeral Home at 9:00 A.M. and proceed to St. Mary Church for Mass at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, January 21, 2010. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Gilroy.
On-line condolences are welcomed at www.habingfamilyfuneralhome.com.
