Antonina ("Nina" Pazerunaite) Paonessa, 85, of Locust Grove, VA, formerly of Niagara Falls, NY died on Wednesday October 28, 2009 at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, VA. Born in Sakiai, Lithuania, she was the daughter of the late Juozas and Agotha Pazerunas.

During WWII, Nina and some of her siblings escaped to Germany and resided in a Displaced Persons camp. In 1949 she immigrated to the United States arriving in Buffalo, NY, where she had a scholarship at D'Youville College. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in German in 1952. On February 13, 1954 she married Sam S. Paonessa at Niagara Falls, NY and relocated to the falls. Mr. Paonessa predeceased her on March 20, 2003. Nina was employed as a secretary at her husband's family owned business, Paonessa Gray & Trigg Monuments in Niagara Falls and retired in 1989 after fifteen years of service. In her leisure time, she enjoyed gardening, sightseeing and reading.

Mrs. Paonessa is survived by three children Ralph Paonessa of Ridgecrest, CA; Laurie Paonessa of Locust Grove, VA; and Lisa (Mrs. Kurt) Stadtmueller of Oshkosh, WI; two grandchildren Sierra and Cole Stadtmueller, one brother Pijus Pazerunas of Chicago, IL; one sister Sr. Miriam Pazerunaite of Putnam, CT and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was predeceased by four brothers Juozas, Antanas, Pranas and Justinas and two sisters Matilda and Marita.

Friends may call on Monday November 2, 2009 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at the M.J.COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY where a funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. with Rev. Stewart Lindsay, OSFS officiating. Interment in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY