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PAPPAS, Paula on July 8, 2013, God called Paula Pappas home. The heavenly sounds of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy in the background, surrounded by loved ones, Paula peacefully departed this earthly life. Paula Franklin was born in Washington DC July 25, 1954. Though in our eyes Paula's life was cut short by cancer, hers was a life of great accomplishment, variety and impact. In God's eyes, Paula's life was the exact right length! Paula spent much of her youth in Italy. The roots of her faith can be traced to her education by Catholic Nun's in Venice, Italy. Her love for and appreciation of Europe and European culture never dimmed. Paula earned a Bachelors Degree at Florida State University. She then returned to FSU for advanced studies and earned a Masters Degree in Design and Architecture. Her love of higher learning and desire to help others led her to become a professional educator, ultimately becoming a professor of Design at the University of Texas. In 1983, Paula married Michael Pappas. The birth and life of their son, Michael Pappas III coupled with her successful marriage were the joys of her life. Paula had a unique blend of professional skills and entrepreneurial spirit. In recent years, Paula became a custom jewelry designer, creating elegant pieces that became increasingly beautiful as her design work progressed. Paula's accomplishments were many. Her determination to succeed and help others to likewise succeed continued to the very end of her life. Paula became a certified Yoga instructor in recent weeks. Paula will be forever missed. In the words of her son Michael...."She was the greatest mom ever"! Paula is survived by her devoted husband of 30 years, Michael Pappas Jr., who held her hand as she left this life. Also surviving are her loving son Michael III, his wife, Kristen; and adorable grandson, Michael Pappas IV; sister, Donna Lifland and her husband Paul; and niece Mikela. On July 25, 1954, Paula was born to earthly life. And the angels danced and blew on their horns, on July 8, 2013, Paula was born into Eternal Life. And the angels danced and they danced...and they again blew on their horns! A celebration of Paula's life will be held on July 25, 2013, her birthday, a favorite celebratory day for Paula. Services will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church 750 San Salvador Dr. in Dunedin. Visitation will be from 10:3 am -12 noon, funeral Mass 12 noon.
Published in the Tampa Bay Times on July 16, 2013
