Diane Jaeckel
I first met Paula when she resided at Barkley Place. I was on the team from St. Cecilia Parish that brings Holy Communion to the Catholic residents. We became fast friends right away. Paula had personality plus with her quick wit,amazing recall and wonderful sense of humor. She had a charming way of keeping me in her apartment much longer than I should have, but I secretly wanted to stay. Her stories were so interesting and endearing. When she moved to Springwood, I had left the team but continued to bring Paula Holy Communion. It was the highlight of my day to spend time with Paula. She was always so gracious and loving. She made it a habit to ask me if I needed prayer or if anyone in my family needed prayer and she would make sure that she prayed many, many rosaries for me and my family. She was my own personal prayer warrior. I shall miss her very much even though I believe she is in a far better place. The last months before her death were uncomfortable but she seldom complained. I got to see her in the hospital just a few days ago and she told me she was ready to be with Jesus. She said, "It's time; it's time." And then she told me to eat my popcorn which I had bought because I missed lunch and was hungry. I obeyed her with tears in my eyes. It was a bittersweet goodbye because I knew I wouldn't see her again in this world. Paula was old enough to be my mom but we were girl friends. My older sister is fluent in Italian and she came to visit me from Georgia. I brought her up to Paula's apartment and they spoke in Italian for a long time. That was just one of the many fun times we had together. She was a marriage counselor at times when I was having arguments with my husband, and her advice was very helpful. My husband, Dick, just loved Paula, too. He liked to kid her and she gave it right back to him. He always said, "She's sharp!" Of course, I already knew that. Paula was a role model for me and if I live to be 99, I want to be just like her. The Angels have welcomed this beautiful soul to Heaven. I send prayers and God's blessings to her family.