Victoria was born in Turlock, California to Philip and Sarah David Paul on November 9th, 1936 and was a first generation Assyrian American. Her parents Philip (Mawana) and Sarah David (Mar Bishu) fled the Middle East due to persecution. Victoria grew up on the beloved family farm in Keyes, California and attended Keyes Grammar School, Turlock High School and Modesto Jr College. She continued her education at Dominican College in San Rafael where she majored in Spanish and minored in French and Education.
Victoria is remembered as a woman of quiet wit and elegance, who cherished her full life as a San Franciscan in her beloved Marina neighborhood. Her long career included working as a high school teacher at Santa Catalina in Monterey and St Mary’s High School in Stockton where she taught French, Spanish, and Personal Ethics. She moved from teaching to an executive assistant at companies EDS Nuclear and GTE/Sprint, and eventually started her own business as an Executive Recruiter. She was respected for her professionalism, her ability to catch the tempo of the moment even if she just walked into a group, and her conscientious and enthusiastic approach to life. She was self-made.
In retirement, she continued to work occasionally as a substitute teacher in between pursuing her love of travel and experiencing a variety of cultures. Victoria had a deep Catholic faith and was especially fond of visiting cathedrals and holy sites throughout Europe and Mexico.
Victoria is preceded in death by her parents Philip and Sarah Paul, her brothers Joash (Julia) and Philip (Georgia), her sister Sara Thomas (Edward), her brother Polous, and another brother and two sisters who died in infancy, and nephews Timothy Paul and Paul Thomas. She is survived by her nephews and nieces: Joyce Greer (Earl), Joan Eshoo (Andy), Dean Paul, Therese Paul, Bernadette Paul (Loyd McKern), David Paul (Julie), Mary Paul Stewart, Phil Paul III (Jannett), Michael Paul, Greg Paul, and Robert Thomas (Peggy).
Victoria’s family would like to thank the staff at Alexander Cohen Hospice House in Hughson for the tender, attentive, and dignified care provided to our Aunt, and for the respect, warmth, and compassion extended to family.
Rosary and funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Turlock, CA on August 1, 2024 at 10:00. Interment to follow at Turlock Memorial Park.
Donations in Victoria’s name may be made to:
Dominican Sisters of San Rafael: 1520 Grand Avenue, San Rafael, Ca 94901-2236, or sanrafaelop.org
Alexander Cohen Hospice House: hospiceheart.org
St. Jude’s Hospital: www.stjude.org
