Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Paula Gleckler Obituary
October 24, 1929 - November 7, 2014
Paula F. Gleckler died peacefully in her San Mateo home after a long illness with Parkinson's Disease. Paula was born into the Baukhaus family in Germany, Oct 24, 1929, and raised on the family farm in Tennstedt. She trained as a nurse, and with her friend Irmgard Schnieder emigrated to Toronto, Canada in her mid-twenties as young nurses seeking opportunity. After several years as a nurse in Canada, Paula joined Irmgard in Burlingame working at Mills Hospital in San Mateo where she served for over twenty years. In her mid forties, Paula met Dr. Jim Gleckler of San Mateo, who was grieving from the loss of his wife, Margaret Gleckler. After a short courtship, they married to the delight of Jim's children as she brought Jim a renewed life. They had a lot of fun traveling the world and enjoying everything the Bay Area had to offer. Both of them had a great sense of humor and enjoyed a long and loving marriage until Jim's death in 1994. After Jim's death, Paula continued to be an integral part of his family. She was never just a stepmother to Jim's children, but a beloved friend. They all admired her warm and open manner, never letting an unkind work pass between her lips. All of her stepchildren loved Paula and are deeply grateful to her for bringing Jim such joy and comfort. Paula is survived by Jim's four children, Susan Gleckler of San Francisco, Amy Graham of Southern California, Betsy Gleckler of New Orleans, and Peter Gleckler of San Francisco. Paula was a loving grandmother to Amy's children, Greta Dever, great-grandson son Owen, and Emily Graham of southern California, and Sue's children, Chris LaMotte, great-grandsons Rio and Rocco, and Brad LaMotte of San Francisco, and Meggie LaMotte of Santa Cruz. Among her relatives in Germany, Paula is survived by her sisters Lisbeth and Agnes, and their children, all of whom Paula loved very much. The family is eternally thankful for the loving home care of Paula provided by Huddleston Care. Dorene Lucchesi, Susan Simpson, Francesca LaCross, Jane, Cheryl and others were extraordinarily loving and generous caregivers, and gave Paula enjoyment and comfort to her life to the very end. The family is also grateful to Mission Hospice for providing loving care to Paula in her final days. Service will be private.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paula Gleckler
Jim Berthelsen
December 20, 2014
I have such fond memories of Paula and her graciousness as she transitioned out of De Sabla and we moved in. Just learned of her passing from Alice Morison. Always enjoyed having her come back for a visit and sitting with her in the den and looking out at the courtyard (one of favorite places).
Paula's 80th birthday with Californian family
Peter Gleckler
December 7, 2014
I am the youngest of Jim Gleckler's four children. Paula and Jim married when I was 15. It was no easy feat for Paula to enter our family, but she did so patiently and gracefully. From the first day Paula and I had a warm relationship, and it just got deeper with time. She did not pretend to replace the mother my sisters and I had lost yet she was extraordinarily loving and caring. Paula and Jim were very happy together, and made the best of their union. She did wonders for Jim, and their bond ultimately strengthened our family. We will always remember her for that, and the truly wonderful person she was. I will guard the many, many fond memories of Paula that are now a part of me.
November 30, 2014
I am Jim Gleckler's youngest brother, and deeply appreciate all the love and care she provided Jim, and also the way she related to all of us over the years.
She had a sense of humor and a quick wit that quietly emerged in the most delightful way. I also admire the love and care Jim's children gave her, especially in these last few years when she became less independent. It has been a beautiful example of family relations .... and I am also very grateful that her caregivers have been so loving and kind .... she certainly deserved them all! Thank you, loved ones in Germany, for these lovely thoughts of Paula ... they help us all to accept her passing and to be, in sum, grateful and even joyful. Dan Gleckler (Arthur Dan Gleckler).
November 27, 2014
Kirche in Cappeln
November 27, 2014
November 27, 2014
Am Samstag den 22. November fand in Cappeln eine Trauerfeier statt. Es wurden viele Geschichten und Erinnerungen an Tante Paula ausgetauscht. Das Foto zeigt alle die gekommen sind vor der Kirche in Cappeln.
Lucia Frerichs
November 24, 2014
Tante Paula war die Schwester meiner Mutter Maria und, obwohl sie so weit weg wohnte, mir als Tante immer präsent.
Ich erinnere mich nicht nur an ihre Abfahrt nach Kanada aus Bremerhaven mit dem Auswandererschiff "Arkadia" sondern auch an die vielen Postkarten, die sie regelmäßig schrieb.
Einmal gab es sogar ein Paket mit Handschuhen aus Maulwurffell - das war für mich der Duft der grossen weiten Welt!
Unseren Aufenthalt bei ihr in Burlingame 1971 werde ich nie vergessen.
Paula war eine so großzügige und angenehme Gastgeberin. Immer war sie offen für Kontakt; wir trafen uns einmal am Frankfurter Flughafen und in Münster, wo sie ihre Freundin Irmgard besuchte.
Im Zusammenhang einer "Weltreise" luden Jim und sie meine Schwester und mich in Berlin zum Frühstück in ihr Hotel ein. Paula hatte wirklich Humor,sie war zurückhaltend und liebenswürdig, eine richtige Dame.
Obwohl wir uns in all den Jahren nicht oft gesehen haben, fühlte ich immer eine starke persönliche Bindung und wir hielten Briefkontakt bis zuletzt, ihrem 85. Geburtstag.
Ich bin dankbar, Paula gekannt zu haben und wünsche, dass es ihr gut geht, da wo sie ist.
Lucia Frerichs
Steffi, Paula, Isa, Agnes in Tenstedt Germany
Steffi Esser
November 20, 2014
Paulas Friend, Isa, Paula, Steffi, Hans, Agnes Brörmann 2005? in Neuenkirchen Germany
Steffi Esser
November 20, 2014
Pete, Paula and I 1997
Steffi Esser
November 20, 2014
Paula and Pete 1997
Steffi Esser
November 20, 2014
Paula 1997
Steffi Esser
November 20, 2014
November 20, 2014
Aunt Paula is the sister of my mother Agnes Brörmann. I visited her in San Mateo in 1997. It was a very nice time which I'm really happy to remember. She gave me so many insights into her life in California. She kept telling me that "This is the best place on earth." I would like to show you some photos from that time and how I remember her.
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Stefanie Esser, born Brörmann and Family (Steffi, Martin, Theo & Greta) (Düsseldorf/ Germany)
November 16, 2014
May the departed soul rest in peace.
Our Deepest Sympathy.
Family of Hansjörg Brörmann
(Son of Paula's sister Agnes)
Grapperhausen, Germany
Mechthild Meyer
November 16, 2014
Paula is my aunt and sister of my father Leo Backhaus. When I looked into her eyes it always seemed to me as if I looked into the eyes of my grandmother.
I also grew up on the farm in Tenstedt. A great joy for my sister, my four brothers and me was, that aunt Paula surprised us for Christmas with a package full of presents. That was very nice and exciting to us. This ritual accompanied us through our childhood.
Often she visited us in Tenstedt and after my marriage she visited me in Emstek and got my four daughters to know. Meanwhile, I 'm even grandma.
Like Paula´s granddaughter my first granddaughter is also called Greta.
Aunt Paula will forever remain in our hearts.
Mechthild Meyer
Helga Enneking
Helga Enneking
November 15, 2014
Paula was my cousin. I am happy to share a little bit of her life. I admired her when she as a young nurse went to Amerika. We enjoyed Paula's and Jim's visited to our farm in Australia and also our visit to San Franzisco.
She was such a caring, kind and light being person that brought happiness and love to all she shared her life with.
May her lovely soul rest blissfully in the gardens of heaven.
Helga Enneking
Helga Enneking
November 15, 2014
Paula was my cousin. She visited us together with Jim on our farm in South Australia. She was interested in all our work we did and was our special guest for a couple of days. We, my husband Otto, my son Arnd and daughter Uta returned the visit, and she and Jim gave us a wonderfull time in her house. They showed us all the highlights of St. Francisco and surroundings and their hospitality was great. I very often remembered this time with them when I was back in Australia. I wish her to rest in peace together with her husband Jim.
Barbara Colvin
November 14, 2014
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
November 13, 2014
Paula was a light for us all. Shy yet intelligent, diplomatic and knowing. Always gracious, sincere, kind and generous. Paula was always easy and fun to be with. We all remember you with deep love and affection. The Lacey/Higgins Families.
Maria Frerichs
November 13, 2014
Paula was my aunt and sister of my mother Maria Frerichs, born Backhaus 1921 in Tennstedt.
My sister and me have visited our aunt in 1971 in San Mateo. We have wonderful memories about the time we spent with her, showing us around all over in San Francisco and in California.
She always kept in contact with us, wrote letters and visited Germany, her sisters and family regularily.
I am very sorry to hear about her death. Please accept my deepest sympathies. I am very grateful for the love and attention that you gave to my aunt. God bless you.
Maria Frerichs, Berlin
November 13, 2014
Nous nous associons à la peine de toute la famille principalement à Peter
Avec nos amities attristèes
Claude et Jocelyne Waubant
Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results
Make a Donation
in Paula Gleckler's name
Memorial Events
for Paula Gleckler
How to support Paula's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Paula Gleckler's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
