Paula Loughran Zahniser

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our devoted mother in Rochester, NY on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at the age of 94. She is predeceased by her beloved husband, Frank Stewart Zahniser; son, John Stewart Zahniser II; parents, Dr. Charles H. & Viola J. Loughran; in-laws, J.S. and Frances K. Zahniser; and sister-in-law, Luanne Z. Kuimjian. Paula is survived by her daughters, Lisa Ann Zahniser (Jeffrey Nordlund) of Phippsburg, ME, Dulce Ashton Zahniser of Rochester & Arlington, VA, and Jane Zahniser O'Neill (Patrick) of Crested Butte, CO; as well as grandchildren, Colin O'Toole (Sarah Leon), Graham O'Toole (Samantha Rohrborn), Katie O'Neill and Piper O'Neill; great-granddaughter, Leighton O'Toole; as well as niece, Francye (Craig) Kinney; nephew, Stewart Miller and several great nieces and nephews.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, Paula was educated at St. Angela Hall and graduated from Middlebury College in 1952. After marrying the love of her life in 1953 and a brief stint at Lady's Home Journal in Cleveland, Paula began a family and supported her husband's leadership role in Haverstick & Co moving from Youngstown NY to the company's headquarters in Rochester in 1960. Fluent in French, she hosted French families from Rennes (a Rochester sisters city). She devoted much of her free time to volunteering at the Memorial Art Gallery (MAG), the Drug and Alcohol Council and other local charities. She is a past President of the Guild for Special Children. Overcoming polio at age 3, she became a lifelong dancer and Rochester City Ballet board member. An avid tennis player, curler and horseback rider, Paula enjoyed the camaraderie associated with each activity. As her younger daughters "flew the nest," Paula committed herself to the new Events Coordinator position at the MAG, turning Cutler Union into an events paradise. She lived a life filled with kindness, elegance, generosity, laughter, and love for her family, friends & community. She will be greatly missed but will live forever in our hearts.
We want to thank R, L, G, N and J for all the extra love and care through her final years and lending Dulce such support. Friends may call to the funeral chapel (2305 Monroe Avenue) on Thursday, May 8 from 4-7 pm. Funeral services will take place at 11 am on Friday, May 9 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 25 Westminster Road, Rochester NY 14607 with reception to follow at the Country Club of Rochester. There will be a private interment for family immediately after the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Pittsford Volunteer Ambulance, Gallery Docent Program of the Memorial Art Gallery, St. Paul's Church, or Lifespan of Rochester.