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Paula Colucci Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Paula Colucci
September 4, 2006
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006
September 4, 2006
I am soooo sorry to hear of your passing. I know god is holding you tightly now. God Bless You and Joe
Vicki Rulli
January 16, 2006
Dear Joe and family:
I just learned of Paula's passing and my heart feels like it is bleeding. My heart aches for yours. I too worked with Paula at Dorsey & Whitney. What a breath of fresh air she was - sometimes a whirlwind - she had so much energy! She will never truly leave us. Joe, just as Marla wrote, she truly loved you. Please know that the pain does get easier. Keep looking up and God's blessing will pour out and ease your pain.
Trina Wood
January 9, 2006
My deepest condolences to Paula's family. I worked with Paula at Henson & Efron and will always remember her great sense of humor and dedication to her job.
Liz Hintze
December 27, 2005
Paula, I am so shocked and so saddened by your untimely passing. We were best of friends since grade school and I have always cherished you. I am so happy that you found Joe and had a wonderful life with him. I was always so happy to run into you and we could pick up right where we left off! It is sad that we didn't get together very often these past years but friendship lasts forever and in many different ways. Joe, please take care of yourself and enjoy your many memories of this wonderful gal! Lisa, your children are beautiful. Take care of your family and mom & dad, you are a very special sister to her!! Paula is warming up heaven for everyone she loves dearly!
Lynn Miller
December 22, 2005
When I learned today of Paula's death, I was stunned. I worked with her at Zelle & Larson from 1993 to 1997 and then again at Dorsey & Whitney when she started until 2001 when I left. She was always THE brightest bulb on the tree -- she would light up a room upon entering. Although I hadn't seen her in awhile, I would remember some of the talks we'd have and all the laughs we shared. I just saw her a short time ago outside the Dorsey entrance, but I didn't say hello -- I was in a hurry. I will never be in a hurry again when I meet someone on the street that I once worked with (and perhaps don't remember their name). I am sad that I didn't stop to say hello. Paula, hello to you, and I finally did lose the weight I said I would -- I know you would have been proud. Joe, I always heard stories of you from Paula, and I always wanted a marriage like that. Hugs to you during this very difficult time. My prayers are with you.
Barb Buehler
December 21, 2005
To Our Sweet Paula, We are so sad you left us so soon! But your brilliant smile is lighting up the streets of heaven now. We will miss you, your laughter and your positive attitude... Paula loved life, and lived it to the fullest, and may that be a testimony to her for us all! We love you Paula, and you will remain in our hearts forever! I'll see you later! Love and prayer's for you Joe! Barb P.S. Give our son a hug for me, and tell him about all the fun times!
Marla Larson
December 21, 2005
Paula, I miss you more than you could ever know. I saw you the first time I interviewed at Dorsey, when I almost got off on the wrong floor. Your smile and infectious laugh told me that we would be friends. You were such a great friend, always optimistic, always sunny, and one who could find humor in any situation. You were my confidante in hard times, with understanding and wisdom beyond our years, and always there with a laugh or hug. You had magic with people. Joe, she loved you very much, and I'm so very glad she had you to love.
Suzanne Pettit
December 21, 2005
Paula, you made everyone feel special. I will never forget your smile and infectious laughter. You will be missed by so many.
John Buehler
December 21, 2005
Paula you had the smile of an angel and a wonderfull attitude toward life. You touched the hearts of many and truly touched my heart. I will never forget you. My prayers go out to Joe, my nephew. Joe you are like one of my kids and I love you and pray for you as you go through this difficult time of grieving
Amy Hallman Rice
December 20, 2005
To Paula's family and friends, I am so saddened to hear of Paula's passing. I worked in the same department with Paula at Dorsey & Whitney, and though I did not know her well, I always admired her upbeat attitude -- she was always so enthusiastic and friendly, with a ready smile. She left far too soon.
Suzanne (Carter) Mullen
December 20, 2005
My dear Paula - how saddened I am that you are gone from us so soon! My only comfort is that now you are safe and warm and in no pain, and I know you understand it all now, even though we only grasp to. But I will NEVER FORGET your fabulous smile and laugh, and how we laughed until we cried - how we constantly got caught talking to each other at our desks, and how we didn't really care! I will miss your friendship and humor immensely - and I am so glad I had the honor of knowing you in life - until we meet again, my dear Polo . . .
Joe, my most heart-felt prayers and sympathies go to you and your family and loving pets - she was taken from you much too soon and I know she LOVED YOU DEARLY! Be kind and good to yourself, Joe - Paula would want that!
Love, Suzanne Mullen (Carter)
lisa gussel kaess
December 20, 2005
My dear sweet lovable sister,you have left a hole in my heart that only many many memories of laughing and sometimes crying will help to fill in these months and years ahead.you were the most wonderful sister I could ever have asked for. YOU WERE THE SWEETEST GODMOTHER TO ANDREA AND GAVIN and they will miss your love and outrageous humor every day of their lives.We will take care of mom and dad with all our love the way you did.We will also keep Joe close forever. Heaven has one morevery beautiful and extraordinary angel up there!
Barb Seidl
December 20, 2005
Paula I am going to miss you very much. You always had such a very quick smile to share with everyone around you. I love you very much. Auntie Barb
Sandy Kaess-Livermore
December 20, 2005
I am sorry to hear about my cousin, altho, I never met her but do remember seeing a photo of the family and she may of been at my fathers funeral (George John Kaess).She is with God and there will be no more worries for her, there is peace.
Georgia Taggart
December 19, 2005
Paula had a beautiful and courageous spirit. It was obvious that she was loved by everyone who had the good fortune to know her. She left a permanent mark on our hearts at United Hospital. Our deepest sympathies to her family.
Dr. Georgia Taggart
Gail Antrim
December 19, 2005
Dearest Joe & Family,
As you know Paula has been one of my dearest friends for 19 years. I can't even express my sadness in her illness and her passing. However, I do know that under the circumstances, she is in a better place right now. Paula is a true people person and was a lot of fun; we had some great times together. I first met Paula in 1987 when we worked together at Henson & Efron law firm and had maintained a very close relationship with her since. We continued to have lunch together on a weekly basis. We always joked about the fact that the only reason we liked coming down town to work was so that we could go to lunch together! Paula was there for me during the birth of both of my children; I was a bridesmaid in Paula & Joe's wedding (while pregnant with my second child); we took a trip together to Wisconsin Dells to visit her sister and family (a trip which my two kids will never forget because they loved Paula's family so much and had such a great time); celebrated many of our birthdays together, including a limo ride and dinner on Paula's 40th birthday; pool parties in the back yard; I could go on and on. We had many good talks and helped each other through hard times. She will be missed by me very much as I always felt that I could share anything with her; she never judged and was so easy to talk to. She had a good outlook on life and lived it to the fullest. She always had wonderful things to say and good advice to share; she was a very wise gal.
I will never forget my dear friend, Paula, and her upbeat personality, smile and laugh. I feel very fortunate to have been able to have been with her on her last day here; we had a nice visit and it meant a lot to me.
You all will be in my thoughts and prayers and I will always have the finest memories of Paula. My condolences to all of you.
I love you! Gail
Dawn Poole
December 19, 2005
I am so sorry to hear about Paula. She was such a wonderful person with that great smile. It certainly was an honor to get to know her.
Dawn
Shannon Banaszeski
December 19, 2005
I always enjoyed our car pool conversations on our way to Minneapolis. I will miss your friendship, but will always have those special memories of you and will keep them close to my heart.
Love Shannon
Tiffany Zmuda
December 19, 2005
Family and Friends~
I have worked with Paula for 3 years and even though we never really had gotten to know each other a part of her personality will live in me forever. She was always the first to smile and say hello and she was always cracking jokes. There are many times that I laughed when I talked with her. I am sorry for your loss, she will be missed dearly by many.
Don Gaylord
December 19, 2005
An angel returns to heaven. Paula will live on in our hearts and in the love we give and show each other. She always had a smile to give and this will be the dearest memory that I will cherish and pass along until I see her again.
Your loving cousins.
Don,Theresa,Sam and Jack Gaylord
Eagan,MN
Mary Ulland Evans
December 19, 2005
I am so very very sorry. Paula passed way too soon and she will be greatly missed by many people, including me and Daryl. We were so lucky to get to know and enjoy her.
Mary
Ginny Housum
December 19, 2005
Paula will be greatly missed at Dorsey & Whitney, where I worked with her. She was always upbeat and tried so hard to be helpful to everyone around her....even when it wasn't her problem. I appreciated her a lot, and in retrospect, I probably never told her that. My condolences to Paula's family on their enormous loss. She left us behind far too early.
jean colucci
December 19, 2005
Paula Paula, I am so blessed to have a sister- in -law as good as you. Oh my that big smile of yours i cant ever forget. You always carried a smile and had a laugh. I love you and gonna miss you so much. You will always be in my heart. I promise I will do what ever i can for Joe. I love you, Jean
Sheryl Turner
December 19, 2005
Dear Joe and Family:
I was so saddened when I learned of Paula's illness and her condition. A good friend at Henson & Efron forwarded me the information. I am so sorry to hear of your loss and our loss! I worked with Paula at both Henson & Efron and at Dorsey & Whitney before moving back to St. Louis. I was fortunate enough to be Paula's friend through many of her good times and bad. I did a reading at Joe and Paula's wedding and our other good friends, Gail Antrim and Cathy Fischer were bridesmaids. We had a wonderful time. I remember lots of fun times at Joe and Paula's home in Cottage Grove spending time by the pool, playing with the kitties and just having fun in general. This is difficult to comprehend since Paula was just a year younger than me. It just doesn't seem possible that such a hideous disease can strike one of us down at such a young age. I will always remember the fun times shared with "Paula Balla," and will miss her terribly. All we can do is hope that she is in a safe and warm place. With Deepest Sympathy, Sheryl Turner
Kimberly (Shupe) Anderson
December 19, 2005
I am so sorry to hear about Paula.
She always had a smile on her face. When I used to deliver mail we would talk about the time when we didn't have to work anymore and what we would do. Sleep in was the top of the list.
Todd Pearson
December 19, 2005
I thoroughly enjoyed working with Paula over the past several years. I am a better person for having known her. I will miss her dearly.
Joani Dixon
December 19, 2005
My most sincere sympathy in the loss of Paula. Cherish your memories!
Cheryl Fields
December 19, 2005
Dearest Joe & Family:
My condolences on your loss of a wonderful wife, sister, daughter, aunt & 'mom' to Oreo, Spaz & Mattie. I worked with Paula at Dorsey & Whitney until I left there 6 years ago. Paula and I were in orientation together, worked on the same floor and our birthdays were 4 days apart. We became very good friends during my time there. I thought of her often since then and will continue to miss her greatly. Her wonderful personality will be missed by many.
Cheryl Fields
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