Paula KONEAZNY

Paula Koneazny, of Santa Rosa, CA passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2014 after a valiant and fearless 15 month fight with AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia). She was surrounded by family and close friends, on her own terms in her own home, as was her wish. Paula was born the daughter of Albert and Pauline (Hebert) Koneazny on December 1st, 1948 in Chippewa Falls, WI. Paula was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her son Gyasi Koneazny-Cobb (Carla Green), Tucson AZ, close friend Gilbert (Sara) Cobb, Santa Rosa, CA, sister Alberta Koneazny (Bob Danenberg), Chippewa Falls, WI, brothers Leo (Kathy Califf) Koneazny, St Germain les Arpajon, France; Mark (Sharon) Koneazny, Eau Claire, WI; nieces, nephews, cousins, an aunt, and other relatives and close friends in California, the USA and world-wide. Paula attended St Charles Elementary School and McDonell High School, graduating Salutatorian in 1966. She went on to the University of Wisconsin, Madison graduating in 1970 with a BA in Political Science (minor in French). She later continued her study at Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA, and received her MA in English. She spent her junior year studying at the Université d'Aix-Marseille in Aix-en-Provence, France. After college Paula took-up residence in San Francisco, CA where she met longtime companion Gilbert Cobb and many of her other close associates to this day. She later moved north to the Sonoma County City of Sebastopol, CA and more recently to her home in Santa Rosa, CA. Her greatest joy and fulfillment in life arrived in the form of her son Gyasi Koneazny-Cobb on May 14th, 1982. She was self employed as an EA (Enrolled Agent) and operated her own successful local business as a tax consultant for many years. When asked what she did for a living, she would often respond that she dealt with taxes for monetary sustenance, but did many things for a living. She was a lover of music (jazz in particular), a published poet, writer, reviewer and photographer. She had an uncommon and exceptionally bright gift of intelligence, which enhanced her pursuits in the arts and her relationships in life. Possibly her most notable attribute was her unruffled, calming nature and ability to strike up friendships of which she had many. With her friends she relished good conversations, good humor, witty banter, long walks, camping trips, writing sessions, literary pursuits, the beauty of the natural world and great food. All these things are treasures and were what truly gave her joy. The world of nature was of great inspiration and a source of happiness to her. Her garden was an expression of love and bounty to be shared with friends and friends of friends. It also became a home to wildlife and birds of all colors; prized members of her extended family. She hiked along the beaches and among the hills of California's northern coast. She camped along Wisconsin's Lake Superior coastline. She meandered through the French countryside. Perhaps it was Paula's closeness to nature and its fragile balance that compelled her to take a stand for those whose voices often go unheard. Injustice of any nature moved her to action. Paula's world was a diverse one with interlacing peoples from all horizons. She brought us all together, family and friends alike, through her masterful photographic study of our hands, through the keen observations of her poetry, through her enlightening social commentary, through her inexhaustible quest of life and through the simplicity of her smile. Her presence left this world a much better place. Her early departure left this world unfulfilled, wanting more, with a gaping hole in the hearts of her family and friends. But, when you live in the hearts of those you love, you never truly die. She will not be forgotten. A private memorial, at Paula's request, will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2014 during low tide, at Pinnacle Gulch Beach, CA. Memorials may be directed to The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society or via blood donations to the American Red Cross.