Veronica Carol Cannon

On December 15, 2020, just days after celebrating her 91st birthday, Veronica “Ronnie” Cannon passed away peacefully at home in Maine. The fourth and youngest child of Mae (nee Mary Theresa Dolan) and Irwin W. Pauselius, Ronnie was born on December 9, 1929 in New York City. Although she eventually moved away, she was always a New Yorker at heart, boasting about her city to the end.

In 1950, she met Robert Cannon, the man who would become her husband and constant companion. Ronnie and Bob wed in 1955 and enjoyed nearly 62 years of unparalleled marital devotion, living first in New York City and subsequently in Oradell and then Washington Township, New Jersey. Together they traveled to destinations near and far, enjoyed West Point football games preceded by a tailgate meal, attended community theater productions, and engaged in routine tasks such as grocery shopping … always side-by-side.

Ronnie worked in financial services and other industries throughout her career, reminiscing often about the years she worked in the Empire State Building. In her free time, Ronnie was an active member of the Book and Needle Club and a regular volunteer at Pascack Valley Hospital, making close friends in both organizations.

Shortly after losing her beloved husband in 2017, Ronnie moved to Maine to be with family. Although mobility-restricted, she still found pleasure in life with family, devoted caregivers, and two adored dogs. Etta, a lab mix, was truly her best buddy and always came when called, perhaps because Ronnie would sneak food to the pup when she thought no one was looking. Two evenings before passing, Ronnie was singing in her sleep, parts of MacNamara’s Band and Harrigan, clear enough for the songs to be recognized. After singing, she spoke clearly in her sleep saying, “Of course … I’m Irish!”

Ronnie was predeceased by siblings Bernice Pauselius, Arline Reisman, and Walter Pauselius and husband Robert Cannon. She leaves behind many nieces and nephews and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.