Paula Zappettini

Paula Ann Zappettini Jan. 15, 1936 - Dec. 7, 2011 Paula Zappettini, a deeply admired lady of strength, love and grace passed away in her Atherton home following a long illness, which she faced each day with dignity and courage. Her love for her family, adoration for her friends and support for her community were among her many gifts. Paula's compassion, brave spirit and wisdom touched many lives. Paula was from a third generation San Francisco Bay Area family. She was born in Piedmont, California, grew up in San Mateo and attended Notre Dame High School, San Jose State University and the San Francisco Academy of Art. She met her loving husband Bill in San Francisco in 1961 and afterwards they lived in Burlingame before moving to Atherton in 1970 where they became vibrant members of their community. She was an accomplished businesswoman, devoted homemaker and tireless volunteer. Paula shared her time and many talents with a warm heart as a Peninsula Volunteer and member of the Atherton Garden Guild. She enjoyed organizing several charity events throughout the years. Paula was an avid follower of the arts and enjoyed her Italian heritage through many visits to Italy. She loved flower arranging, gardening and playing bridge. Paula was a devoted Catholic and respected parishioner. Along with her husband, in 1997 they were invested with high honors into The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem. Then in 2006, in the midst of her illness, she traveled on a pilgrimage as a malade with the Order of Malta to Lourdes, France. Her spiritual devotion to our Lady of Lourdes moved her to commit herself to serving the sick and the poor, and in 2008 along with her daughter Anna, was invested as a Dame of Malta. The next year, her husband Bill joined them and was invested as a Knight of Malta. In 2009, Paula and Bill received the Assumpta Award from the Archdiocese of San Francisco. Paula co-founded in 2010 a local chapter of the international Frontline Faith Project to bring prayers and spiritual support to American military men and women. Paula was preceded in her death by her father Pompey Scribante and her mother Amelia Bandoni Scribante. She will be greatly missed by many friends and family. She is survived by her loving husband of almost 50 years, William; her children John Zappettini and Anna Zappettini; her brother Robert Scribante; and her grandchildren Isabella and Gianna. A private Rosary will be said on Monday, December 12th at 6:30pm and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2pm on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 both at The Church of Nativity located at 210 Oak Grove Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025.