PAULA C. BOLLAM (nee Fawcett), age 86, beloved wife of the late Kenneth A. (CDR. U.S. Navy Retired); loving mother of Russell, Cathleen Coyne (Dan) and Diann Miller (Vincent); proud grandmother of Valleri, Erin, Liam, Sean, Eamon and Lauryn; great-grandmother of two; beloved sister, aunt, cousin and friend of many.  Passed away September 27, 2023.

Paula loved her Faith, her family and service to others.  A nurse for many years, Paula truly loved her neighbor as herself.  In a world that worships wealth and excess, Paula eschewed both - preferring family time, gardening and charity work.  Her kindness was only exceeded by her humility.  Pies, puzzles and pleasantness were the three "P"s that marked Paula.

She met her husband Ken, a Navy man, at a St Philomena young adult dance.  They were soon married - a storybook romance that lasted for 62 joyful years.  They loved memorable family vacations, cookouts, their kids' sporting events and finding ways to give back to others.  And in their later years, nothing brought them more joy than their six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.  Whether it was a violin concert, flag football, CYO volleyball, an AAU game, an Irish dance feis or a rowing regatta - on any side of town and frequently out of town - Ken and Paula would be there cheering on their beloved grandchildren.  And while "Coach" Ken would occasionally offer some post-game constructive criticism, Paula was always there for the hug - win, lose or draw.  The two perfectly complemented each other.  Truly a match made in heaven.

Not long ago, an unexpected twist led Paula to discover a whole new wing of the Fawcett family.  She treasured this gift late in her life.  The chance to meet these relations and catch up on lost time brought her great joy.

In recent years, Paula and Ken moved to Westlake.  Although her dear friends and family members rallied around her last May when Ken passed away, Paula missed him dearly.  Concurrently, she fought a courageous fight against cancer, suffering without complaint.  She received incredible care in her final days from the heroic, selfless staff at Holy Family Hospice.  Her family, friends, brothers and sisters all had the chance to say loving goodbyes in her final days.  Finally, on the feast day of St Vincent de Paul (the patron saint of charity and hospitals) and feast day of Our Lady Star of the Sea (the patron saint of Navy men) Paula peacefully passed away.  And given Ken's strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, we pray that on that day, as a special favor for Ken, Our Lady Star of the Sea came to Holy Family Hospice and escorted Paula straight to heaven and into her husband's loving arms.

There is an iconic photo of a tiny colorful flower somehow against all odds poking through a crack in a vast concrete jungle.  Unexpected beauty amidst a cold world, almost miraculous in its origins, the flower makes one wonder "how can it be?" Paula too was such a flower in a world that can sometimes seem too crass and cruel.  A loving mom, wife, sister, nurse and friend, she was a woman of uncommon grace and kindness.  Like the tiny colorful flower reaching for the sun amidst the sea of gray concrete, Paula strove for heaven unceasingly.  A beautiful soul pointing us all toward something greater than ourselves - -our Lord and Creator.

Relatives and friends are invited to meet for her Funeral Mass Monday, October 2, St. Ignatius of Antioch Church (10205 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44111) at 10 A.M.  Interment private Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.  Friends may call at CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME of CLEVELAND, 4420 ROCKY RIVER DR. AT PURITAS, SUNDAY 4-7 P.M.  Memorial contributions are suggested to Holy Family Hospice, 6707 State Rd., Parma, OH 44134 or Padre Pio Academy, 12920 Madison Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107.