Paulina Ursula Magnetti (née Woodyear) lived life fully and vibrantly for 100 glorious years. A passionate advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, she devoted her life to improving their care and championing reforms in the mental health system. Her commitment continued until her retirement at the remarkable age of 91. A woman of boundless energy, compassion, and conviction, Paulina was above all a person of action. She lived her principles, believing in the dignity of every individual and the importance of loving and caring for all people.
The eldest daughter in a family of ten, Paulina grew up during the Great Depression and World War II. Her parents, Hilda Paulina Corbie and Hugo Quentin Woodyear, instilled in her strong values, responsibility and a respect for education.
Paulina also had a deep appreciation for life’s pleasures. She loved a perfect cocktail, enjoying a fine meal, attending the opera, watching a good Turner Classic Movie, and losing herself in a good book. Her enthusiasm for culture, conversation, and joy full celebration reflected her curiosity and zest for life.
While working as a secretary, she met her future husband and the love of her life, Joseph Magnetti. They married and raised four children: three daughters and son Joey, who was born with intellectual disabilities.
It was through Joey that Paulina’s lifelong mission took shape. At a time when institutionalization was often the only option, she became a founding parent of one of the first schools for children with intellectual disabilities, IAHD. She went on to establish a resource center at Bronx Psychiatric Hospital, support families, meet with legislators in Albany, and advocate tirelessly for reform and greater opportunities for people with disabilities. Her determination gave a voice to those too often overlooked and made a lasting difference in countless lives. Her legacy is one of advocacy, courage, and, above all, love in action.
She is survived by her her children, Adrianna, Regina, and Claudia, and their respective spouses, Richard DiGioia, Kari Nordstrom, and Michael Saunders; her beloved grandchildren, Ursula and Nicole Saunders and Tina and Stephen DiGioia; four great-grandchildren, and sisters Mary Marco and Delphine Camacho.
Her extraordinary life and generous spirit will be remembered with deep love and gratitude.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Institutes of Applied Human Dynamics or Feeding America.
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