Paulina Kryl White Yancich

Paulina Kryl White Yancich, born Aug. 16, 1925, died last week on May 4, 2019, in Ocala, Florida.

Paulina, daughter of Josephine Kryl and Paul White, grew up in Rochester, graduating there from Monroe High School and the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester.

She and husband Milan met “on the job” after winning auditions in the French horn section of the Columbus (Ohio) Symphony.

Paulina leaves Niki Politi of Lake Placid; sons Paul, Mark and Milan (Buzz) Yancich of Cleveland, Atlanta and Danville, California; daughters-in-law Meg, Lisa and Maria; favorite son-in-law Roby; grandchildren Nicholas (Emily), Maggie (Michael), Nina (Colin), Putnam (Priscille), Michelle, Mia and Audrey; great-grandchildren Frank, June, Owen, Austin, Hudson and Parker; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

Paulina (“Pauny”) enjoyed winters in Florida, especially her years playing in the Ocala Symphony and Park Band. She began summers in Lake Placid when her father was invited by the Lake Placid Club, in 1938, to form a little orchestra which he named the Sinfonietta. Pauny was to play her horn in the Sinfonietta under the baton of her father years later.

One of her favorite childhood memories was “running up Cobble Mountain every morning before breakfast with my sisters!”

Those of us who live in Lake Placid or return again and again understand our mother’s love for the mountains, lakes and mostly the enduring friendships we’ve made here.

A dear family friend said, “Most of the time when someone dies in their 90s, we say: What a blessing, such a long life! But in Pauny’s case, we feel this way: She died young!” Another friend remembered, “Your mother always had the welcome sign out for everyone.” It’s true … along with her French horn playing, Mom’s hospitality and zest for life were her fortes.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Lake Placid Sinfonietta and the Ocala Symphony Orchestra.

A private ceremony will take place this summer in Lake Placid to celebrate her spirit.

Bye, Mom … love you.