Paula (Weinstein) Vanatta

Paula Vanatta (nee Weinstein), 75, of Chagrin Falls, OH, passed away peacefully Saturday afternoon, February 7, 2026, at Ohman Family Living in Newbury, Ohio, from a brief but aggressive form of cancer. She is survived by her daughter, Rachel Vanatta; two granddaughters, Cozette and Evabelle Noyes; sister, Linda Weinstein; and two cousins, Barbara and Susie Waldman.

Paula was born in Cleveland, OH, on March 7, 1950 to the late Harold and Ruth (Klusner) Weinstein. She was raised in University Heights with her sister,

and studied social work at University of Cincinnati where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree, followed by her Masters from Case Western Reserve. She worked in the mental health field throughout her career in the Cleveland area, and as a longtime resident of Chagrin Falls/Bainbridge.

Paula was most known for her love of her “three girls”, her beloved cats and dogs, and numerous friends who adored her. She’s described as always being a deeply genuine person, someone friends’ could confide in without judgment in all aspects. She was so accepting and always present for meaningful conversations with all who confided in her, and also who simply enjoyed her company and fantastic sense of humor. As a single mother most of her daughter’s life, Paula and Rachel were very close, from when they lived in little house on Brewster Road to living in separate states, they were constantly on the phone with each other, planning visits, and laughing about the girls’ daily happenings as they grew. She adored her granddaughters, and experiencing their so many “firsts” as they matured from babies to entering high school next year. The reality of not being able to share the joy of their future experiences is hard to comprehend, but her lessons of unconditional love and care towards her daughter, granddaughters, friends and family will always stay close to us as a lesson from our special Mom and Mimi.

Paula was an incredible mother, grandmother (Mimi), and friend. Her love of animals was passed down to her entire family, especially to her grandchildren. She

was truly an extraordinary human being. She had so many friends and will be greatly missed. There is no way to sum up her whole life into one paragraph, especially hers. She was always on the move and busy, and when it came to shopping with friends and family, she knew her way around.

She was so kind to everyone she connected with and she will be missed forever by so many people who loved her. Her memory will continue to live on in our hearts. – Cozette –

Per Paula’s request, no services are to be held at this time, and a Celebration of Life is planned for the Spring. If you’d like to make a donation in Paula’s name, please send to her favorite charity, the animals at Rescue Village. www.rescuevillage.org

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