In Memory
Paula Diane (Yeager) Canarecci
Paula Diane Yeager-Cannareci was born to the late Allen and Norma Jean (Hostetler) Yeager on October 6, 1950, in South Bend, IN. After 75 enriching years, she was called home peacefully on December 13, 2025.
Paula’s professional achievements began at River Park Pharmacy while she was still a student at John Adams High School. She then became a dedicated lab technician at South Bend Medical Foundation for an impressive five decades. Her meticulous nature, coupled with her compassionate spirit, ensured that her contribution to the field was not only exemplary but also filled with warmth and empathy. Colleagues remember her as a pillar of reliability and knowledge, always ready to mentor the next generation of technicians with her boundless wisdom.
Beyond her professional realm, Paula was a great cook, and she loved to share her delicious creations with everyone. Walking into her charming home you would be met with the amazing aroma of something yummy cooking. Not only was the aroma inviting but her home was always beautifully decorated for every holiday. A homey, comfortable feeling surrounded you and you were at peace in her River Park home. She enjoyed coloring and spent many hours at her kitchen table creating colorful pictures nice enough to frame.
Paula’s passions painted the canvas of her life with vibrant experiences and unforgettable memories. She had an unparalleled love for tranquil days at Weko Beach in Bridgman, MI, finding solace in the rhythm of the waves and soaking up the sun on the sandy shore. Sunset and Taps followed by campfires surrounded with family and friends telling stories, eating hobo dinners, and enjoying life were an important part of her stays in the cabin that she made home for short vacations. Diamond Lake held a special place in her heart as well. A family-owned cottage on Diamond Island helped shape her love for lake life. She was our boat driver and could ski with the best of them. As an adult her brother Denny let her continue enjoying Diamond Lake and family life by sharing his home Sunday afternoons. Paula reveled in the relaxing, laughter-filled pontoon rides that became synonymous with summer for the Cannarecci and Yeager clan.
At the core of Paula’s universe were her cherished family members, who basked in her love and guidance. She continues to live through the lives of her sons, Tony (Erin) Canarecci of Granger, IN, and Mark Canarecci of Granger, IN. She was very proud of their accomplishments and appreciated all of the times they were there for her just as she was always there for them. Her legacy is also celebrated by her beloved grandchildren, Tyler and Carter Canarecci, who will carry forward the stories of her boundless love and the adventures they shared. She was a wonderful Grandma and you would find her cheering the grandkids on at the many sporting events and other activities. She was their biggest fan. Her many nieces and nephews held a special place in her heart too. She cherished the opportunity to be Auntie P.
She enjoyed being a “wicked stepmom” to her beloved Tom (Katrina) Canarecci, Susie Felix, Kristin Shide, Jennifer (Brian) Hartline and their beautiful children were her bonus grandkids. Survived by her sister Janet (Mike) Maciulski, and their three children of South Bend, IN, Sue Hubler and her two daughters of Mishawaka, IN, alongside her brother Dennis Yeager and his son of Cassopolis, MI, will forever hold on to the memories of her nurturing presence, quiet strength and her ability to keep them smiling. They stuck together and shared the ups and downs that life brought, always there for each other.
Paula was also blessed with many life-long friends with whom she shared vacations, card clubs, dinners, and many other social gatherings. Those friends enriched her life, brought her much joy, and became like part of her family.
Funeral services for Paula will be 11:00 am Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Palmer Funeral Home – River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend, IN 46615. Friends may gather family on Friday, December 19, 2025 from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm at the funeral home, and one hour prior to the service.
12/17/2025 EJS
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