Paolina (Paula) Borean

With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of our beautiful Mamma, Paolina Borean, on October 24, 2025.

Paolina was born on March 5, 1935, in Albano di Lucania, Italy, the beloved daughter of Gelsomino and Domenica Colonna, and dear sister to Maria, Anna, Giuseppina, and brother Joe.

Paolina lived a full life of grace, kindness, and unwavering love. A devoted mother, grandmother, and friend, she was the heart of our family. Her unconditional love was a constant source of strength, teaching us the value of compassion, the importance of family, and the joy found in simple moments.

As a stay-at-home mom, Paolina also contributed to the family by providing child-minding services. It was through her care for children that her most beautiful qualities shone -patience, gentleness, and kindness. Every child in her care felt loved.

Paolina volunteered for many years in the churches she attended and was a dedicated member of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada (CWL), where she lived out her faith through service and community.

One of Mamma’s greatest joys was cooking for her grandchildren. Whether it was her famous sauce, pasta e fagioli, pastina, or rice and corn, she nourished not only our bodies but our souls. Those moments will be cherished and remembered for generations.

Paolina will be remembered for her great faith, her devotion to serving others, and her genuine care for family and friends.

She is survived by her children Joseph (Elsa), Clara (Rod), and Lisa (Kirby); her grandchildren Evan (Sandra), Ryan (Renee), Lucas (Kaitlyn), Sylvain (Carley), Logan, Lauren (Daniel), Michael, Cameron, and Dominic; and her great-grandchildren Lorenzo, Theo, Cassia, Vince, Levi, Malakai, and Kali. Her memory will remain forever in their hearts.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Elim Village for their kindness and compassionate care, especially those at the Harrison.

Funeral Mass: Thursday, November 13, 10:00 AM Location: Holy Rosary Cathedral, 646 Richards Street, Vancouver, BC 
Reception to follow: White Spot, 718 Drake Street (across from the Cathedral) 
Rite of Committal: 2:30 PM Location: Gardens of Gethsemani Cemetery, 15694 32 Avenue, Surrey, BC

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Paolina may be made to Covenant House Vancouver, an organization close to her heart: www.covenanthousebc.org.

Though we say goodbye to our cherished Mamma, her love will forever illuminate our lives. We grieve her loss deeply but find comfort in knowing she is in heaven, embraced by eternity.