Paula Marie Canning

Paula Marie Wolter Canning was born in Seward, Nebraska on May 25, 1924 and spent most of her childhood there. She passed away at age 101 on June 24, 2025. She was hired as a nanny at age 16 and spent time in Boise, Portland and Tacoma where she graduated from high school. On December 18, 1943 she married James Canning in Jacksonville, Florida before he deployed to Saipan during WWII. In 1947 they moved to Boise, Idaho where Jim grew up and raised 8 children—Paula, James, Catherine, Scott, Philip, Rachel, Mary and Christopher. Infant son Mark preceded her in death in 1949. She was a long-time member of St. Paul’s Lutheran church where she was the organist for many years. She was later a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Meridian. Paula worked at David’s House of Fabrics after her children were raised and loved the art of sewing. Paula has 26 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren and 21 great-great grandchildren. She will be buried at the Idaho Veterans Cemetery next to her husband of 66 years, Jim, who passed away in 2009. A private family gathering will be held at a later date.