Paula B. Poorman

Poorman, Paula B. Age 56, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 27, 2007. She was born on April 16, 1951 in Kansas City, Missouri to Robert and Lois (Romer) Poorman. Paula grew up in Phoenix, Arizona and Bakersfield, California. She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy, Lincoln Land Community College, Southern Illinois University, Mankato State University, and Colorado State University, where she achieved her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Paula met her life partner of 19 years, Susan Simmons, in St. Paul, Minnesota, where they lived for a brief period. Paula was a professor for 11 years in the Psychology Department at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, where she was recently promoted to full professor. She loved to teach, and particularly felt good about encouraging students to go further than they ever thought they could with their education. Paula was the author of Microskills & Theoretical Foundations for Professional Helpers and numerous professional articles. She played an instrumental role in the Inclusivity Initiative, which worked for fairness for the GLBT community. Paula loved working with her hands, especially working with wood, and had several furniture projects under way. She also enjoyed camping, traveling to National Parks, and driving tours. Paula loved her nieces and nephews on both sides of her family and was very proud when she had her first great nephew and great niece. She played actively with the kids, and they adored her. Paula is survived by her partner, Susan; her parents, Robert and Lois Poorman of Springfield, Illinois; her sisters and brothers, Jan Poorman (Jesse and Annie) of Granger, Indiana, Rev. Mark Poorman, C.S.C. of Notre Dame, Indiana, Alex (Susan) Poorman (Kelsey) of Raleigh, North Carolina, Lisa (Mark) Thomson (Zach and Matt) of Springfield, Illinois, and Dan Poorman of St. Paul, Minnesota; and Susan's parents, Thom and Lois Simmons of Cambridge, Minnesota. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 1, 2007 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. A visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 30, 2007 at the funeral home, and again from 1:00 p.m. until time of services on Sunday at the funeral home. A scholarship will be established in Paula's honor. Memorials may be sent to the UW-Whitewater Foundation designating the Poorman Fund, 800 W Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190. Paula was filled with joy and light, and cared for all people in her life, whether it was her partner, family, friends, colleagues, or her students. She was exuberant, and inspired and encouraged excellence of all those around her. She will be deeply missed. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road 608-238-3434 www.cressfuneralservice.com
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.