Obituary

Paula Jasso

Obituary

Paula Jasso, 64, daughter of Fifi and Anthony, died on November 28 in her home in Topeka, KS surrounded by her loving family.

Throughout her life, she had a variety of personal and public accomplishments. Her leadership in the civil rights movement took her from the streets of Los Angeles during the Chicano Moratorium, to meetings with Hubert H. Humphrey and Pat Nixon at the White House, to the home of Corky Gonzales. She was active in politics, running for Kansas Secretary of State. A folklorico dancer in her youth, she saw her children's dance troupe perform for Pope John Paul II. She was a devout Catholic and youth minister, leading pilgrimages to Canada and Rome and earning numerous awards for her church Venture Crew.

In recent years Paula was an Associate of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Community and was working towards her instructor's certificate in Tai Chi.

She is survived by her son, Peter, who graduated from USC and married Marlo in Rome - they were blessed by Saint John Paul II. Her son John, PhD, Assistant Professor of English at the Pennsylvania State University and wife Susan. Daughter Missy, a Physician Assistant with the Dartmouth Medical Center and husband Brad. Sisters Reina, Eva, Toni; Brothers Robert, Anthony, Jr; and 9 grandchildren. But more than this, she carried the weight of the world to lighten the load of others. We release her soul unto the heavens and endeavor to walk forever in her footsteps.

There will be a Vigil Rosary Monday night November 30 at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Newton, KS and Rosary and Mass 9:30 AM on Tuesday, December 1 at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Burial at St. Mary's Cemetery in Newton, KS.