Paulita Donaire (Donaire) Sosmena

Paulita Donaire Sosmeña, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 4th, 2024 after a long battle with illness and disease. Paulita was born on June 18th, 1940 in Esperanza, Camotes, Cebu, Philippines. She was the youngest of two children to the late Thomasa Puzon Donaire and Casildo Donaire.

Paulita shared a long, beautiful marriage to Asterio Sosmeña, marrying in the year 1959 when she was just 18 years old in Poro, Camotes, Cebu, Philippines. Together, they raised a large family of 9 children in Poro. When Paulita wasn't busy working as a full-time homemaker, Paulita sold baked goods and clothing to the locals on her island.

While in the Philippines, Paulita contracted Tuberculosis, causing lifetime scarring to her lungs. With concern for her health and well-being, her oldest daughter who migrated to the United States, Lynn Miller, was able to petition for the immigration of Paulita and Asterio. They started their new life in America in 1997.

Paulita was a quick learner, she proficiently learned English within a few years, without any formal language education. She loved to read and specifically loved reading the bible to her grandchildren. In the year 2000, Paulita officially became a U.S. citizen.

While in the United States, Paulita was a full-time caretaker and helped raise her grandchildren, Raphael and Cassidy. She loved to tailor homemade dresses for them and enjoyed crafting, gardening, cooking, reading, and praying. Paulita was of devout faith and attended church often as a loyal member of the St. Thomas More Parish. She loved God and her family more than anything in the world.

For as little as Paulita physically was, she was a fighter and loved to live life. She was given only 6 months to live in the year 2014, but Paulita strongly held on through the love of her family and God. She was a wonderful, caring, beautiful person, both inside and out. Although her physical body is no longer with us, her legacy will continue forever.

Paulita is survived by her husband, Asterio, her sister, Leonila Cantoja, her children, Lynn Miller (Jerry), Anna Lee Barker (Bill), Bebeth Sosmeña (Eric Ramirez Sr.), Arecilli Sosmeña (Bill), Paul Sosmeña (Velma), Asterio Sosmeña Jr. (Gina), Annabelle Giles (Dave), Perseus Sosmeña (Melanie), Kate Karavidha (Florian), her nephews Al (Karen), Junie (Geraldine), and Ramie Cantoja as well as her many grandchildren, Raphael, Cassidy, Sheena, Joshua, Ivan, Jeremy, George Eric, Mary Grace, Francis Paul, Kevin, Kinna, Jan Anthony, Sarah, Cathleen, Paul Jr., Glaiza, Althea, Sandy Jane, Stanley, Apple Mae, Joanna Faith, Jefferson, Trisha, Marlone, Kent, Kyle Joshua, Kassandra, Nailita, Zoe, and great-grandchildren Kashiecka, Kendra, Kent, Mark Graynier, Celestine Kylee, and Zyaine Caiden, as well as her cousin, Nilda Gonzales, and her children Davian and Cassie.

Paulita was preceded in death by her parents, her uncle Pilo Puzon, and her brother-in-law Erenio Cantoja.

The funeral mass for Paulita will be held on Saturday September 14, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1810 North McDonald Street, Appleton, Wisconsin. A time of visitation will be held on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.  For online condolences please visit www.valleyfh.com.

 The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to ThedaCare Appleton, Her primary care provider, Dr. Craig Hendel, the IRIS program, and her home care nurses Erin and Danielle

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