Nanette Paci

Quilting was her passion until her bobbin ran out. Nanette Paci passed away peacefully on June 30, 2025, at the age of 74, in Long Beach, CA. Born on December 28, 1950 in Memphis, TN, Nanette was a beacon of intelligence and love, traits inherited from her beloved parents, Jack and Frances Simonton. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Joseph Paci, who passed away in 2002 after 27 years of marriage.

Nanette's education was a journey as she moved with her family due to her father's career in the Air Force, leading her to graduate from Cabrillo High School, in Lompoc, CA. She furthered her education at Southwestern at Memphis, now known as Rhodes College, where she honed her critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Her professional life was dedicated to the Internal Revenue Service, where she began her career in 1973. Nanette's roles began with writing Congressional correspondence with the Economic Stabilization Program, moving into the audit division and then providing IT services to both the audit and collection divisions showcasing her adaptability and expertise across multiple facets of the organization.

Nanette was a loving mother to her children, Lauren Paci (Ryan Boivin) and Christopher Paci, and a doting grandmother to Riley, Kyle, and Charlee Boivin. She expressed her love through her presence at every sports game and her handcrafted chocolate chip cookies and quilts, symbols of her nurturing spirit. Nanette also dedicated herself to rescuing and finding homes for cats, providing them with her attention and love. She welcomed two rescues into her home, Morticia and Addams, who became her daily loving companions.

Nanette found joy in attending musical theater with her friends and grandchildren. This was one of her favorite pastimes, along with singing the Messiah which she did yearly. Planning, creating, and cooking a delicious meal, particularly wheat-free dishes, brought her immense delight, especially when entertaining those she loved. Nanette had a keen eye for timeless beauty, evident in her cherished collection of antiques. In her earlier years, she enjoyed handcrafting wood with her father, and participated in many craft shows with her creations. She never stopped formulating new ideas and projects to accomplish.

A passionate quilter, Nanette's creativity and precision in her craft made her a respected figure in quilting circles. She had impeccable seams and a remarkable eye for color and patterns. Her final days were spent surrounded by close friends at a quilting bee, a testament to the community she built and cherished, complete with southern egg salad, tuna salad, and pimento cheese sandwiches.

Her battle with terminal cancer revealed her resilience and inspired many. Adopting a vegan lifestyle and giving up sugar, she researched tirelessly and thrived for two years, astonishing her medical team with her vigor. Despite the progression of her illness, she remained steadfast and a fighter until the very end.

Nanette's life was one of profound impact, marked by her dedication to her family, her friends, her career, and her passions. Known for her strong will and determination, Nanette lived life on her own terms. Her unwavering spirit and ability to stand firm in her beliefs will be profoundly missed.  She was encompassed with love by her family and best friends as she transitioned to her next adventure. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and creativity, forever remembered by those who knew her.