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Paula (Weinstein) Vanatta March 7, 1950 ~ February 7, 2026 (age 75) Obituary & Services
Paula Vanatta Obituary Paula Vanatta (nee Weinstein), 75, of Chagrin Falls, OH, passed away peacefully Saturday afternoon, February 7, 2026, at Ohman Family Living in Newbury, Ohio, from a brief but aggressive form of cancer. She is survived by her daughter, Rachel Vanatta; two granddaughters, Cozette and Evabelle Noyes; sister, Linda Weinstein; and two cousins, Barbara and Susie Waldman. Paula was born in Cleveland, OH, on March 7, 1950 to the late Harold and Ruth (Klusner) Weinstein. She was raised in University Heights with her sister, and studied social work at University of Cincinnati where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree, followed by her Masters from Case Western Reserve. She worked in the mental health field throughout her career in the Cleveland area, and as a longtime resident of Chagrin Falls/Bainbridge. Paula was most known for her love of her “three girls”, her beloved cats and dogs, and numerous friends who adored her. She’s described as always being a deeply genuine person, someone friends’ could confide in without judgment in all aspects. She was so accepting and always present for meaningful conversations with all who confided in her, and also who simply enjoyed her company and fantastic sense of humor. As a single mother most of her daughter’s life, Paula and Rachel were very close, from when they lived in little house on Brewster Road to living in separate states, they were constantly on the phone with each other, planning visits, and laughing about the girls’ daily happenings as they grew. She adored her granddaughters, and experiencing their so many “firsts” as they matured from babies to entering high school next year. The reality of not being able to share the joy of their future experiences is hard to comprehend, but her lessons of unconditional love and care towards her daughter, granddaughters, friends and family will always stay close to us as a lesson from our special Mom and Mimi. Paula was an incredible mother, grandmother (Mimi), and friend. Her love of animals was passed down to her entire family, especially to her grandchildren. She was truly an extraordinary human being. She had so many friends and will be greatly missed. There is no way to sum up her whole life into one paragraph, especially hers. She was always on the move and busy, and when it came to shopping with friends and family, she knew her way around. She was so kind to everyone she connected with and she will be missed forever by so many people who loved her. Her memory will continue to live on in our hearts. – Cozette – Per Paula’s request, no services are to be held at this time, and a Celebration of Life is planned for the Spring. If you’d like to make a donation in Paula’s name, please send to her favorite charity, the animals at Rescue Village. www.rescuevillage.org https://www.bestfunerals.com/obituary/Paula-Vanatta
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Hal Yaeger
I fondly remember Paula's quiet and warm personality. She always had something positive to say about others. We brifely reconnected some years ago. May he memory be for a blessing.
Nanette Marein (Ross)
I'm so sorry to hear of Paula's passing. I'm so happy that I got to reconnect with her at our recent class 75th birthday party reunion. Paula was sweet, kind and incredibly beautiful. She will be missed.
Nanette Marein Ross
Robin Weiss
This announcement of Paula's death stunned me, coming so soon after Donna's. I know we are old, but they were both so youthful to me. Paula was truly funny. Her love for The Beatles, something she did with her hands... really funny, made us laugh hysterically. I learned later in laugh how important laughing with friends is, healing, transcendant. She was part of that lesson for me. I remember her with tremendous fondness. I'm quite sure she imparted that healing, wonderful laughter to her daughters and I ache for their loss.
Robin Weiss
Karen Barnett (Barnett-Woods)
I am so saddened by the loss of Paula. She was the very 1st friend I made in elementary school when my parents moved to University Heights. We were inseparable at Belvoir. Although our houses were a block apart, we would cut through a neighbor's backyard and be together in minutes. I went to her house after school to play almost everyday. When we were nine we walked the Heights Pharmacy to buy Barbie dolls. We thought we were so cool to walk there by ourselves. She was so outgoing, and so much fun to be around. Unfortunately as we got older our lives changed and we grew apart. I am glad I attended our 50th reunion because we got together at a mini Belvoir reunion. We talked and re-lived all of our fun times. She will sorely be missed.
Linda Weisberg
I am greatly saddened to hear of Paula's passing. She was wonderful, such a beautiful and sweet person. Paula and I had a few classes together and she was always so kind and had a special sense of humor. I remember her fondly, such a loss .
William Schur
How very sad. I conversed with Paula at the mini-reunion this past October. She was as vivacious and vibrant as ever. We grew up together, having attended Belvoir and Wiley before coming to Heights. Rest in peace, Paula. Hard to imagine she is no longer with us.
Bill Schur
Dixie Sloan (Pristas)
So saddened to hear the news of Paula's passing. She was such a sweet and beautiful soul who is gone far too soon. We lost two friends from our class recently which is hard to comprehend. They will both be missed.
Sharon Haas (Rothberg)
I am very shocked & saddened to hear of Paula's passing. We both went to the University of Cincinnati and our friendship grew beyond college during our years in Cincinnati. Lots of fun get togethers & laughs, as well as the tough times. We were always on the phone together and we knew each other's spouses. We remained close through our 20s and then we moved away and started to lose touch. I saw her at our 50th reunion and we quickly reminisced about the good times. She was always beautiful, and I'll never forget her. May her memory be a blessing.
Barbara Ellis (Mirel)
I'm deply sad losing Paula.We kept up our close and special friendship across all these 60+ years and shared so much. Her obituary beautifully captures how remarkable she was. I've missed her every day since she passed. May your memory be a blessing, dear friend.
Lynda Grand (Cohen)
I am deeply saddened by Paula's passing-we were such great friends growing up then lost touch then reunited when I talked her into going to the 50th high school reunion and then the most recent mini reunion a some lunch dates for in recent years. She was such a fun beautiful girl and I miss her already. Wish we had more time together -and actually that goes for all of us to reach out to each other as this only makes me realize how life is so short and we never know how quickly life goes.