Paula Vannicola

1941 - 2016

Paula Vannicola
Jan. 7, 1941 - Jul. 5, 2016
Resident of Danville
Paula McMahon Vannicola, a remarkable woman, wife, mother, grandmother, and nurse passed away on July 5, 2016, in Danville, CA surrounded by her family. She was born in Boston, MA on January 7, 1941 to Dorothy Best McMahon and Paul J. McMahon the second of three children. Paula was 75 years of age.
Paula attended Cambridge, MA schools and graduated from Matignon HS in 1958. She attended the University of Massachusetts School of Nursing, receiving her BSN in1962. Paula received the highest score achieved, at that time, on her nursing boards.
In 1963 Paula moved to San Francisco to pursue her nursing career. She returned to Massachusetts in 1965 and married Carlo Vannicola, whom she had met in 1960. After her children were born she returned to work teaching at the Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Medford, MA. She continued her education at Boston University and in 1978 received MSN degree. Paula was an Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist for much of her career. In 1987, she moved with her family to California, and worked at Alta Bates Hospital and Summit Medical Center.
Later in her career, she became an administrator at both the Stanford Medical Center and Kaiser Medical Center, Walnut Creek. She was instrumental in Stanford Cancer Center's National Comprehensive Cancer Network accreditation. She loved her career and caring for patients.
Paula was very proud of her Irish heritage. She tirelessly chronicled her family's history. A project she thoroughly enjoyed and shared with all. She was a non-stop gardener and enjoyed music, art, and was an avid reader. She especially loved traveling with her family. Among her favorites were Cape Cod, Yosemite, and of course Ireland.
Paula is survived by her husband of fifty years, Carlo, her sister MaryJane Kilduff of Brookline MA, brother Thomas McMahon of Newton MA, daughters Regina and Stephanie, and grandson Nicolas Magsanay. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Paula is remembered by family and friends as kind, generous, considerate, and loyal. Paula will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life will take place at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 6, 2016 at the Peace Lutheran Church, 3201 Camino Tassajara, Danville CA 94506. Reception to follow at the Vannicola residence.


View the online memorial for Paula Vannicola