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Paula Buran Obituary
Menomonee Falls, WI - Paula passed away peacefully at her home while surrounded by her loving family on Monday, April 2, 2018. She was 61. She was born to Elizabeth and the late Paul Messens of Clinton Township in 1956.
Paula is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, Greg Buran, and her three children: Andrew Buran of Washington, DC, Kyle Buran of Menomonee Falls, WI and Amy Buran of East Lansing, MI. She is also survived by her three brothers: Mark (Lynn) Messens of Chesterfield Township, MI, Matthew (Whitney) Messens of Orange, CA and John Messens of St. Clair Shores, MI. Paula leaves behind numerous other loving relatives and friends, including four nephews and two nieces.
Paula grew up in Detroit and graduated from Dominican High School before moving on to Eastern Michigan University where she achieved Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Clinical Psychology. Paula had a varied career. In addition to practicing as a clinical psychologist, she worked as a youth counselor, a medical equipment planner, a physician liaison, an office manager and a tutor. First and foremost, she was a full-time mother to her three children. She had a love for music and enjoyed playing the piano. She became interested in pastel painting and created many beautiful paintings for friends and family to enjoy. In her own words, "Art is a healing process which attempts to draw the viewer into an empathetic union with the artist and an experience of wholeness with all living things". The last chapter in Paula's life truly showcased her courage and faith. Paula fought cancer valiantly for seven years and will be always be remembered by us as a role model for inner strength and a sense of humor. She liked to quote Woody Allen: "I'm not afraid of dying. I just don't want to be there when it happens." Known for her good nature, kind heart and willingness to lend a helping hand, Paula will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her. Our time with Paula wasn't enough, but she reminded us that she will be with us every day, just in a different way, and we can take comfort from that.
Her final wish was to return home to Michigan, so arrangements have been made for a Memorial Service for Paula in Northville. The service will be held on Friday, April 20th, at First United Methodist Church of Northville, 777 Eight Mile Rd, Northville, MI 48167. Visitation will be from 10am to 11am. The service will run from 11am to noon with a light luncheon thereafter at the Church. Donations in her memory may be made to the Farah Fawcett Foundation for Cancer Research, Blog for a Cure, the Michigan Humane Society or National Public Radio.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paula Buran
Mary Kay Hughes
October 5, 2018
I am so saddened to know of this. Paula and I were high school friends, college roommates, I was a bridesmaid in her and Greg's wedding. We were recently reconnected. She was a beautiful person inside and out. She always had kind words. My deepest sympathies to Greg and family. I am so very sorry.
Nancy Schlichting
April 24, 2018
My heartfelt sympathies to Greg and his family on this devastating loss. I didn't know Paula, but had the privilege of working with Greg at Henry Ford Health System for several years. My thoughts and prayers are with Greg and his family, and hope the love and support of family and friends provide great support and comfort.
Maridel Barr
April 18, 2018
I met Paula about four years ago through a blog. Paula, I will remember your kindness, your art and how I enjoyed speaking with you on-line. Your anticipation (excitement mixed with worry) of that trip to China, and the photo of the Chinese bathroom! That was hilarious! In my thoughts and prayers, you are very much alive, only now without the suffering. For that I am truly thankful. I wish you could have had many more years to love and live here among us. But you left a beautiful legacy, of your compassion, your art and most of all your kids and husband. You told me that it was important to you, that you left a legacy. I understand that. I believe you accomplished that. Paula the bottom line is that the world is a better place because you lived in it. Thank you, I will miss you on the blog. Love and hugs to you in heaven.
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April 15, 2018
My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends. May the example of Lazarus brings comfort to the family during this difficult time. John 11:39-44.
Marc Sndre
April 12, 2018
We were Facebook friends and went to St. Juliana Parochial School. You and I never met , but your comments on my posts of my Moms photos that I shared were kind. I thank you for that Rest In Peace Paula.
John Pavlica Jr.
April 12, 2018
Paula once wrote "Everything will be alright in the end. Everything is not alright at this time, so it must not be the end yet...".
Paula "fought the good fight" as we cancer warriors say, and for Paula, everything is now, at last, alright.
Paula's words of wisdom, advice, empathy, brute honesty, compassion, and various treatment notes, were shared with hundreds of others on a website called "Blog For A Cure". Paula was a welcomed member of our group of friends as she would answer questions of members on how to be more comfortable during different treatments and what new treatments she was trying that may be of future value to other members. Her reassuring presence in the BFAC group is sorely missed. She was also kind enough to share some of her wonderful pastel artwork, and even asked for critiques.
I'm quite sure that anyone who interacted with Paula in person, on the phone, in text messages, on social media and on blogs, knows that Paula was a gift to many others simply with her presence.
On behalf of all of your Blog For A Cure brothers and sisters, we thank you, we will miss you, and we're glad that everything is finally alright in the end.
May God Bless You Paula, Greg, your children, you family and your friends.
C. Leggette
April 10, 2018
My sincere sympathy is with the family of Mrs. Paula Buran because of your recent loss. May the God of tender mercies comfort each one of you.
Lynn
April 10, 2018
My heart and prayers go out to the family in this difficult time. May Almighty God give you strength and comfort your hearts.
2 Thessalonians 2:16 & 17.
Kathleen Wilson
April 9, 2018
To the entire family of Paula! My thoughts and prayers to each of you! But wow! You got to live your life with this wonderful person! What a gift! Paula,touched my heart in a way that will be forever with me. She does make you want to be a better person! At least I'm trying to stop whining about things, since she never did! I will always cherish my dogs portrait that she surprised me with! Until we meet again!
A T
April 9, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.May the precious memories as well as loving friends support you at this difficult time of mourning My heartfelt condolences to you. Matthew5:4
Lc
April 9, 2018
My heart goes out to you for your deep loss. May you find comfort in prayer and in one another. Jeremiah 29:12,13.
RK
April 9, 2018
Please accept my dearest and heartfelt sympathy; I am so sorry for your loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family during this challenging time. Isaiah 61:1, 2.
Mark Messens
April 9, 2018
Paula, you were always my favorite sister. The reality of this has not hit me fully yet. I know you are in a better place now. When I think of you, I hear "Stairway to Heaven" and it gives me some relief knowing you're now with Dad and the two of you together were always able to define what a Daddy-Daughter relationship should always be. I wish we had more time. -Mark
The Matthews family
April 9, 2018
We are so sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful woman. May you find comfort in reading the account in John, chapter 11, where Jesus comforted those grieveing and showed what he will do in the future.
Amy Stinson (Wickett)
April 8, 2018
Our families were friends and neighbors growing up in Detroit-even back then, she was so sweet and beautiful. My thoughts and prayers are with all of her family.
Susan Wickett Schafer Gioia
April 8, 2018
Paula was my best friend growing up through 8th grade. She was as spirited, beautiful and talented then as I know she was until this sad moment. The last time I saw Paula was before I moved to South Carolina in 1984. She possessed a timeless beauty and regal bearing that always had those around her in awe. We reconnected fairly recently, sharing our accomplishments in life, but most of all as mothers, lamenting the time that has passed since we have seen each other. Sadly, we allow time and life to get in the way. My sincerest condolences and prayers for peace to Paulas husband Greg, children and family.
May the music, art and beauty that Paula always exuded be the memory that washes over you in your grief, wrapping you in the love she had for you all.
God Speed Paula...
Susie Wickett Schafer Gioia
Sr. Veronica Brune
April 8, 2018
This message is for the Messens Family: How I love and respect you all for the wonderful family you are. It saddens me that Paula had any suffering at all but what an inspiration she was (and is). That many will profit from her "Spirit" and goodness is my prayer for you.
You have been in my prayers and will continue to be, always and forever.
Sr. Veronica, CSJ (Sr. Ronnie)
Nancy Pelshaw
April 8, 2018
So very sorry for your loss..I went to Dominican with Paula and I have very fond memories of her, she was truely a a kind and talented person. She did a drawing if my grandson and his dog that was just beautiful.Prayers for the family to get though this hard time
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