Diana Germaneri

Diana Pauline Gylling was born in the small farming community of Sanford, Colo., on Nov. 26, 1920, to Carl and Adella Gylling. Her growing up years were spent in this close-knit, hardworking community of family and friends. When she was 16 her father passed away and she, along with her mother, younger brother Paul and older sister Josephine moved to Long Beach, Calif., to avoid the harsh winters. In 1940 in Long Beach, a Navy town, she met and married her sweetheart, Navy Lieutenant Domenic “Mike” Paul Germaneri. They married on Dec. 28, 1940, in Las Vegas, Nev., when he had a two-day leave. At the onset of World War II, her husband was aboard the flag ship, the USS Pennsylvania, anchored in Pearl Harbor when it was attacked. It was two weeks before she heard from him and learned that he had survived. During the war years Pauline followed her husband from the East Coast to the West Coast to his various duty stations, though he was generally out to sea. During their first year of marriage they were together only 24 days. At the close of the war they settled in Long Beach, Calif., where they then raised their five children. Pauline and Mike would have been married 68 years this December, a marriage that grew stronger as it grew longer. It would be hard to find a more loving couple than these two. Pauline spent her married life taking care of her children, husband, grandchildren and friends. She has always been active in her church and served in many positions throughout her life. She most recently served at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Portland Temple for 11 years before her mobility made it difficult for her to continue. Pauline’s greatest joy has always been her family, where she excelled at being the kind of mother, wife and person that they all have strived to emulate. Pauline was always able to make the best of any situation that life presented and for her the glass was always overflowing. Her last year of life was a series of medical hardships due to a fall which resulted in a fractured hip, but there was never a word of complaint, she was always able to see the sunshine. Pauline was a true gift to those lucky enough to be around her. She was soft and gentle, and a powerful example of how to be good and kind. She taught her husband, her children and grandchildren many lessons about life, the most important being how to care and to love. Everything she did was motivated by her love; those blessed enough to be close to her were blanketed by the strength of that love. Our sweet wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend will be missed every moment, but we know she will always be with us; she is part of who we are. Pauline is survived by her husband Mike; their oldest son Steve and his wife, Ellen; their daughter Cindy Fashbaugh; son David; daughter Suzanne and husband, Greg Clarkson; 14 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Pauline is also survived by her 93-year-old sister, Josephine, who has been Pauline’s best friend throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her son Philip. In lieu of flowers the family would like to request donations be made to the Samaritan Evergreen Hospice, Albany, Oregon 97321. Hospice provided wonderful help and care in Pauline’s final days with us. The family is holding a private celebration of her life Saturday, Nov. 1. Arrangements are by McHenry Funeral Home.

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Diana Germaneri

November 26, 1920 - October 26, 2008