Paula Maguire Duncan MD

Age: 70 • Essex Junction

Paula Duncan died peacefully in her home on the morning of October 25, 2017. She is survived by her husband Dr. Jim Duncan; her older son Dr. Josh Duke and his wife Maura and their children Alana, Olivia and Will, her younger son Jim Duncan and his wife Laura Dlugolecki and their girls, Louisa and Susanna; her daughter Dr. Elizabeth Ulano and her husband Dr. Adam Ulano and their sons, Charlie and Henry; as well as her sister Jane Grossman and her family. She is also survived by her "family of the heart", the friends who stood shoulder to shoulder with her during her illness and made a protected space for her to have so much joy unclouded by "cancer talk" and to continue to stay involved with the work she loved whenever she was able.

Paula was born in Albany, New York, on Valentine's Day in 1947, the daughter of the late Dr. William C. and Jane T. Maguire. She graduated from Kenwood Academy of the Sacred Heart, Manhattanville College and the Medical College of Pennsylvania. She did her pediatric residency at Albany and Stanford and completed her adolescent medicine training at Stanford as well. After several years on the Stanford faculty, she joined the pediatric faculty at University of Vermont in 1984. Her career in Vermont included serving as the school health coordinator for the Burlington schools, the Maternal and Child Health Director at the Vermont Department of Health, the principal assistant to the Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Human Services, Professor of Pediatrics at the UVM College of Medicine and President of the Vermont Medical Society. She served in several national leadership roles with the American Academy of Pediatrics and received the AAP's highest award, the Abraham Jacobi Memorial Award, in 2011 for national contributions to the health and well-being of children. Her work promoted the use of the strength-based approach in health care - helping children, youth and parents focus on what was "right with them" - not just their illnesses and problems.

Paula was so grateful for the expertise and genuine kindness of her health care team: Drs. Unger, Wong, Grace, Wallace, Wolf, Covington and Berry, the Visiting Nurse Association, and all those who cared for her through many hospitalizations.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Francis Xavier Church in Winooski at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 28, 2017, followed by a celebration of life from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Ready Funeral & Cremation Service Mountain View Chapel, 68 Pinecrest Dr., Essex Junction. Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family. If desired, donations in her memory can be made to the Lamoille Family Center, 480 Cadys Falls Rd, Morrisville VT 05661, www.lamoillefamilycenter.org/donate/ or the Vermont Children's Hospital, 111 Colchester Ave Burlington Vt. 05401.

To send online condolences to her family please visit www.readyfuneral.com.

Visit burlingtonfreepress.com/obituaries to Express condolences and sign the guest book.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Burlington Free Press on Oct. 26, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Paula Duncan

Sponsored by Ready Funeral Service, Inc. - Mountain View Chapel.

46 Entries

FRED TIBBITTS JR

December 8, 2020

My final story about Paula dates back to when she was 12 and I was 13 in 1959 (See the two photos of her school (Vincentian Institute or "VI") and mine (The Albany Academy for Boys) in Albany. Again, this demonstrated Paula's compassion to make this a better world and I was of like mind, another reason why we were very close friends from the start. So, Paula invited me to a 6th grade dance in the VI gymnasium on a Saturday night. The boys were expected to wear coats and ties, while the girls had to wear skirts below the knees or even longer. Soon after arrival, before the recorded music began, Paula and her friends huddled on the floor and giggled and laughed, so I just looked around. It was lots of fun and the Nuns paroled the floor like drill sergeants, which kept every couple sticking to the rules of decency for the evening. And then a couple of months later there was a 7th grade to 12th grade dance at my school, so I invited Paula. And, once again, we had a lot of fun. But there were two incidents that were special: The first was about her compassion, and the second was about my selfishness, yet Paula pretended to be overjoyed. The dance floor was really packed, because the entire Upper School was invited and there was no charge for admission. The student Council paid for everything, including a raffle with every guest receiving a raffle ticket on entry.
The evening was going well, but I happened to notice one of my classmates, a boy who had some adjustment problems, because of his home situation, who wasn't dancing with anyone, standing next to his parents on the sidelines. As his father was in the U.S. Marines and stationed away from home, Bruce only saw his father at Christmas and in the summer for a couple of weeks, which must have been very hard for Bruce and his mother. And as my school was a military day school, the Marine uniform was significant and was a sight to behold all evening long. But I could see that Bruce was often holding his head down low, as though he was guilty of something, so surely his parents were urging him to ask a seated girl to dance. But Bruce was too shy and introverted with little self-confidence, so he could not bring himself to ask anyone, fearing they might reject him in front of his parents. So, I told Paula what I was seeing, and after she had confirmed the same sad scene, she said "Oh, I feel so badly for him". I agreed with her. A little bit afterwards, I said to Paula "Hey, I have an idea, would you be willing to let me introduce you to Bruce and then you could ask him to dance with you?" Paula glared at me in wonder, so I was afraid she would refuse my suggestion, but on the contrary, she said "That's a wonderful idea!" "Sure!" "Let's go over and meet them". And we did. I began by saying "Hi" to Bruce, and he gladly returned my words with a slight smile, but still seeming despondent. But then Paula said to him "Bruce, would you like to dance with me?" His eyes lit-up like Christmas trees and his smile widened. "Sure", he replied to Paula. So, then I smiled and backed away and they began to dance a slow dance together at arm's length. But it was a start and at last, Bruce was on the dance floor. You should have seen the relieved look on the faces of his parents. And they were soon smiling big time, watching Bruce join the dance like most everyone else. Paula danced two dances with Bruce, which was great. And then she thanked him, he thanked her, and he returned to his parents, but a smiling son, while Paula came over to me, where I had been watching from another side of the dance floor. Her face was aglow, like she had just opened a birthday present or something. I asked her "How did it go?" She replied "It went great! He's a very nice boy, but very quiet". And she added "I can see he is not confident about asking girls to dance, but maybe he will now?" I agreed that "I hope so".
The rest of the evening was uneventful until the Dance Committee Chairman announced over the microphone that they were now going to draw the winning raffle tickets for the evening. He talked briefly about the prizes to be won and said "Okay, let's begin!" Several guests won prizes, though both Paula and I were hoping that at least one of us would be a winner. And then they called my number. I couldn't believe my good fortune. Paula was elated, clapping her hands and saying "Rickey, that's great!" I smiled as I walked across the dance floor to the MC and he presented me with not one, but two record albums. There was polite applause from the other guests and I returned to Paula with my booty. She cried "Rickey, I can't believe you won!" I smiled and said "I guess I was lucky". I don't remember where I put them for safe keeping for the rest of the dance, but you can be sure that I made certain that they would not be taken by somebody.
At the end of the evening everyone said goodnight, which was good. But when I looked for Bruce, I couldn't find him nor his parents. So, they had gone home. I was sorry we didn't do more for him, but Paula didn't know the other girls, nor really did I, so we couldn't very well have asked them to dance with him, because what if they figured-out we asked a girl to dance with him, that it wasn't as if she saw him and wanted to dance with him herself.
My father drove us to the dance and was waiting when we came out to the curb in front of the school. "Did you have a good time?" he said. We both answered, "Yes, it was great." And Paula added "And Rickey won two record albums in the raffle draw". MY dad said "Wow". On the way home in the back seat where we sat together, I held the two albums and stared at them. Paula looked on with keen interest. As we were almost to Euclid Avenue and the Maguire's house, I suddenly realized it was only right to give her one of them, since we were such good friends and we had attended the dance as a couple. One was "Elvis Presley's Golden Hits" and the other was "The Best of Louis Prima and Keely Smith" a jazz album. You can imagine which album we both wanted most! Neither of us would have paid a nickel for the jazz album. But my self-interest triumphed, so I quickly turned to Paula and declared buoyantly to her "Okay, I want you to have this album, "The Best of Louis Prima and Keely Smith". I held my breath, because I was hoping Paula would not frown and show her disappointment. But good old Paula, a lady through and through, chin-up and biting her tongue replied "Oh, Rickey, that's so nice of you!" "I love it". I was so relieved. I smiled and said "Oh, good, I'm glad you like it." And as we pulled up to 25 Euclid Avenue, I opened the rear door on the house side of the car and ushered her out. I walked her into her front porch and we said Good Night with a warm hug that felt really good. She said, "Okay, thanks again." I'll see you tomorrow!" she added. "I replied "Yeah, see you tomorrow." "I'll come up to your house". Paula nodded "Okay" and her mother opened the door, having watched us through the thin, cream colored door curtain. "Did you have a good time?" Mrs. Maguire asked. We replied together "Yes!" And Paula added "And look mom, Rickey won two record albums at the dance raffle and gave me one!" I smiled. And with that, Mrs. Maguire announced "Okay, well, time to come-in now, Paula, and for everyone to go to bed". She disappeared behind the closing door as I turned to go back to our family car. And 5 minutes later, I was home, again, welcomed by my mother and likewise, it was bedtime. And that was the compassionate, thoughtful Paula that she remained for the rest of her beautiful life.

"Rickey" (Fred) at Daytona Beach Florida feeling like a really cool dude (a.k.a. "Dennis the Menace of Euclid Avenue"

Fred TIBBITTS

November 16, 2020

Fred Tibbitts Jr

November 13, 2020

I have just remembered a story about Paula and myself (a.k.a. "The Dennis the Menace of Euclid Avenue") that will demonstrate one of Paula's strongest virtues. One day we were playing on the sidewalk in front of the Maguire's house and though it was a pleasant summer's day, it was kind of boring for me. And then I had an idea to have some fun. I said to Paula "Hey, let's put a big rock down Mr. Minor's basement oil storage tank pipe (For heating).

Paula wasn't very keen on the idea, but I said "Don't worry, he will never know who did it". Paula was still not convinced that this was a good idea, so I said "Okay, I'll do it, and you can just watch, okay?" She said "Okay, but I'm only going to watch you". Mr. and Mrs. Minor had no children and whenever we were making too much noise in the backyard next to his while he was working in his office behind his house, he would come out and tell us kids that we were making too much noise and disturbing his work.

So, I hunted around the neighborhood gardens and such for just the right size rock to fit in his oil tank intake pipe that came out of his basement wall and extended about four feet into the air, like a candy cane with a circular lid on top that the oil delivery man would open and use his long hose from his truck to fill-up the tank as needed each time. And when I found it, I said to Paula "Got it!" "This ought to do the trick!" Paula frowned and just shook her head. "Rickey", she said, "I don't like this!" I replied, "Paula, he'll never know!"

We looked in every direction to be sure nobody was out on the street or their front lawns: The coast was clear and no one was home in Mr. Minor's home. We walked fast across Euclid Avenue and onto the left border of his lawn with the adjacent neighbor's house., and then along the left side of his house until we were standing next to the oil intake pipe. As I was beginning to be slightly nervous of being caught in the act, I quickly unscrewed the cap and dropped the smooth, oblong rock down the pipe. And then we heard a loud thud as it stopped where the pipe curved and continued into the cement basement outer wall. I looked at Paula with a smile and expression of naughty accomplishment. Paula then said "Oh Dear God, we have to get out of here!" So, we ran out to the sidewalk in front of his house, took one more look to be sure nobody had been watching us sneak along side of his house, and seeing no voyeur neighbors, we raced across the street to the safety of Paula's front porch.

Paula reminded me, "Rickey, what if Mr. Minor finds out that you did it?" I replied, "How will he know?" The thought never crossed my mind that Paula would tell on me if confronted by an extremely angry Mr. Minor. So, we just thought of something else to do and Paula asked Dottie to please make us a peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich on white bread to share with two glasses of milk. Dottie agreed.

But you see, I had overlooked the fact that one of Doctor Maguire's many commandments was "Thou shall always tell the truth." And Paula towed the line right down the middle with complete obedience without an exceptions of which I am aware. So, about a week later when the oil delivery man tried to refill Mr. Minor's oil tank, no sooner than did he squeeze the hose nozzle open and the oil began to disappear into the pipe than it returned up the pipe and shot into the air, missing the driver (Or so I was told) by inches and covering the house around the pipe in one big, black, oily mess.

The driver informed Mr. Minor that something must be in the pipe, blocking it. After inspecting the situation with a flashlight they were able to see the large, oblong rock, wedged right at the turn in the pipe. Of course, the pipe had to be sawed off, the obstruction removed, a replacement put in place and Mr. Minor had a handsome bill to pay from the repair man. So, Mr. Minor went over to the Maguire's and asked Paula in front of her father if she knew who had done this to his house? Paula froze, because she knew that if she admitted "Rickey did it, I saw him", it would not be a pretty sight for my father's corporal punishment; however, as Bill Maguire stared at Paula, she knew she could not let him down and break her promise to him. So, she said "Rickey did it". That eased the mind of Mr. Maguire and reinforced the belief that Mr. Minor was harboring, so he thanked Paula and tore down Euclid Avenue to our house, rang the bell at the back door, and asked for my father.

Shortly thereafter, my father summoned me from watching The Howdy Doody Show on our 6" screen, black & white white TV to come to the front hallway and meet with him and our Euclid Avenue neighbor, Mr. Minor. I don't believe I lost bladder control, but surely it was a close call as regards wetting my pants. One look into Mr. Minor's eyes of fire told me I was in deep, doo-do. Mr. Minor firmly asked "Rickey, did you put a rock down my oil pipe?" I froze and blinked. If I told the truth, I would have a severe spanking by my father; if I lied, who knew the extent of my troubles then. So, I lied: "No, I didn't do it". Angrily, Mr. Minor said "Oh. really, than who did?" I said "I don't know?" And Mr. Minor replied "Well, Paula Maguire said that you did it and Paula never lies!" My father didn't like a neighbor accusing his children of such an antisocial act, so he said to Mr. Minor "Well, if he says he didn't do it, that's good enough for me". Mr. Minor snarled, shook his head and marched out the back door. If I were a betting man, I would say that neither my father nor Mr. Minor believed me, but that's how it came down.

And that was a good example of why Paula was so trusted by her family, because Paula always told the truth. I admired her for it, but as my father had not sworn me to always telling the truth, I figured I could put-off following her stand-up example for another year or so. I am sure that wherever the Beautiful Spirit and Soul of Paula is now that there is happiness, joy and compassion for all. Amen.

Ricky Tibbitts on his three wheeler bicycle with his Mother in the backyard about 1951

FRED TIBBITTS

October 20, 2020

As I explained in my original obituary, we children on Euclid Avenue were like a family of our own. And one of our favorite pastimes was feeding sugar cubes to the horses drawing the milkman and the bakery man. Because I lived on the corner of Euclid, I was usually the first to know if either the milk man or the bakery man was about to round the corner onto Euclid Avenue. My mother would put a hand sign in the window for either deliveryman, so that he would stop and ask what she would like today. I would race to the kitchen, grab a handful of sugar cubes and run up the street to Paula's house, shouting "The bakery man (Or milk man) is coming!" Hearing my cries, Paula would do the same and run out their side door, just off the kitchen. And Dottie, the helper, would follow at a normal pace with her purse and buy whatever they needed. We learned not to cup our hands, because the horses didn't always differentiate between little fingers and sugar cubes. Ah, those were the days. :)

My best wishes for the Soul of Paula

Fred Tibbitts Jr

February 24, 2020

I grew-up on Euclid Avenue in Albany, NY, just 4 houses from the Maguire's home. Paula and I were great friends as was the same with Jane (Janie then). My nickname was Rickey: I was the "Dennis The Menace" of Euclid Avenue. Paula's photo is who she has always been: compassionate, smart, full of life. We neighborhood children mostly played together and the front, enclosed porch of the Maguire's house was our favorite place to meet and play. I was the only boy, so when Paula would announce we were playing house, all the girls went home to retrieve their dolls. I was always the father. Then one weekend morning as I was climbing the side steps to the front porch, Paula met me at the door and told me that they had taken a vote and since I didn't have a doll, I could no longer play house with them. I was heartbroken, my only playmates, so I retreated to my home, cried, and sitting on my bed, tried to think of how to once again be accepted. And then it dawned on me: I would break open my piggy bank, take it all and race down to the Five & Dime Store (6 blocks away in the Pine Hills shopping area) and purchase a doll! But it could not be just any doll, it had to be a BOY doll. And they had one I could afford. I raced home, showed it to my Mother and told her why I had bought it: Then I proudly marched up the sidewalk and tapped on the side, glass paneled poarch door. Paul came to the door and said "I thought we told you that you couldn't play house with us anymore, because you don't have a doll!" I smiled and having hidden my boy doll behind my back, brought it around in front of her. I said "I know, but now I have a doll". Paula was flabergasted to say the least, hesitated and then delivered her verdict "Oh, well, then it's okay, you can play house with us, again." And that was a great relief for me.
Paula would confide in me sometimes when we were alone and I would reciprocate. I went to the Albany Academy for Boys, while she and Jane attended Vincentian ("V.I." for short), a Roman Catholic, private school. And after 7th grade I went away to boarding school in Connecticut, so I only saw her summers asnd the Maguires went to Lake Sunapi for two weeks every summer and I went to Camp Dudley on Lake Champlain. We remained good friends over the years, each going our separate ways and catching-up for a few days here and there. Her Father, a wonderful General Practice MD (And our family doctor) always wanted Paul to be a doctor, and inststed on rainy days foir her to say inside, reading books. The next time we met was after my Sophmore year in college, so we compared notes and fully enjoyed our reunion. We eventually lost touch as we both moved away, but I called a Jane one year when I was back in Albany her Mother told me she was married and living (I think) on Cambridge Road off of Western Avenue, about 12 blocks from her birth her parent's home where she and Paula grew-up. I spoke with Jane and it was wonderful to catch-up. I knew that she was practicing in New Hampshire or Vermont, but not much more. I knew she would devote her career life to serving the medical needs of many and surely be a wonderful mother and wife.

In retirement now in Bangkok, I work 24/7 managing my small but passionate charity for very poor families in Cambodia & Thailand. I function as a clinical social worker, as part of my training was Clinical Psychology (Interning at Tampa General and the Albany Medical Center), mentored by a very gifted Harvard/Yale Psychologist, Dr. Mildred B. Mitchell P.h.D. I have rescued three familes without Fathers from begging on the street and completely rehabilitated them, while helping many more families with their everyday needs. Never more at PEACE, but poorer financially, after living for 18 months at the KTD Buddhist Monastery on the slopes of Overlook Mountain above Woodstock, NY and upon leaving to return to NYC, dedicating the rest of my life to serving those less fortunate. I'm nobody special, just one of those who rededicate each day that comes to serving others.
I hope to find Paula one day, perhaps if we are in the same place. And with her memorable smile and laugh that would often follow, I'll know it's Paula. :) Best to All.

P.S. Jane, love to catch-up, my email address is [email protected]. I have a Vonage voice over Internet phone I brought from Albany, so it's virtually free for me to call Albany or the U.S.

Judy Murphy

December 28, 2018

I am so saddened to learn - long after the event - that Paula is gone. Hard to believe she is not still moving through the world radiating her unique combination of competence and warmth. We only spoke every few years, and because we are on opposite ends of the country it had been well more than a decade since I saw her in person here in California. But she was always vibrantly alive way off in Vermont in my world view. What a great loss. My thoughts go out to Jim and her beloved kids who were lucky to have her special presence in their lives for so many - and not nearly enough - years.

Bettina McAdoo

February 17, 2018

I have not seen Paula in probably 25 years, yet in my mind I can easily see her beautiful smile and hear her contagious laugh. I learned so much from her about listening , empathy , concern as well as levity when with a patient, but most of all I remember the fun we had together, both at work and with friends. Although she died much to soon, Paula packed so much into her 70 years, more than most of us could do in two lifetimes and with her accomplishments and her children has left the world a rich legacy. My condolences to Jim, her children, grandchildren and all who knew and loved her.

Holly Andrews

November 14, 2017

I will always remember Paula as a compassionate, caring, and lovely woman. As part of the "University Pediatrics" team, I was lucky enough to call her my doctor. Memories of her long lasting friendship with my mom, Kathy Blum, and all of the staff at UPeds, provide comfort to me.

Cindy Walott

November 13, 2017

Paula made an immeasurable contribution to the health and wellbeing of children, not only in Vermont, but nationwide. As a child welfare professional, I so much appreciate her focus on the whole child. What a pleasure it was to encounter Jim and Paula on a country road in Grand Isle some months back, and to connect for what turned out to be one last time. Take good care.

November 8, 2017

Paula I will forever miss you and the Christmas party you had at your home, I will never forget the memory I have with you holding my infant daughter which is now eighteen , I will never think that my visit to Vermont will be the last memory I have of you. I love you with all my heart and soul .. Natalie Frankowski

Larry Solt

November 3, 2017

To Jim and the Duncan family; Our condolences to all of you. We've know each other for so many years and numerous musical performances. Paula and Stephanie sat together for many of those performances, especially the Vermont Mozart Festival. What a great person Paula was and married to a fantastic, supportive husband. She will be missed by all to whom their lives were touched by Paula.

Lamoille Family Center Staff

November 2, 2017

The Lamoille Family Center sends it condolences to Paulas family and to thank them for designating the Family Center as a recipient of donations in Paulas honor.

With this support, our dedicated staff will continue to encourage, educate and celebrate families, achieving great results that Paula would be proud of:

•Parents will be the first and best teachers for their children.
•Children will enter kindergarten ready to learn.
•Youth will thrive.

Our best regards and love from the Lamoille Family Center Staff.

Lisa Cosgrove

November 2, 2017

Paula was an inspirational leader in Pediatrics. I always inspired to "be like Paula". Her work on many pediatric initiatives at the American Academy of Pediatrics definitely helped improve the lives of children not only in Vermont but in the rest of the world. Her leadership will be missed. My sincere sympathies go to her beloved family.

Jack Swanson

October 31, 2017

My sincere sympathies to Jim and Paula's family. I had the great pleasure to work with her on the Bright Futures project and other AAP committees and task forces. Her contributions to children and adolescents as well as pediatricians was immense. Working with her was always such a pleasure as she guided us with her enthusiasm and charm. She taught us about "strengths", not only in our patients but by her own example.

Judy Rosenstreich

October 31, 2017

To Paula's husband, Jim Duncan, and her whole family, I am sad to learn of Paula's passing and want you to know how much she was valued, respected, and loved. I recently retired from the Agency of Human Services, and remember her warmth and intelligence. She contributed greatly to the issues we worked on and mentored many of us. Paula was one of the Vermont women who I came to know in my professional career. She will be missed by us all. My heartfelt condolences to you.
Judy

Steve Brooks

October 30, 2017

Paula was an inspirational leader, a gifted and dedicated physician and simply a wonderful person to work with and to know. I am honored to have been a colleague.

Dee Dee Yezzi Rohne

October 30, 2017

Paula was always first in our class at Kenwood. She will be forever first in our hearts.
I am so sorry for your loss.

DeeDee Rohne

October 30, 2017

Paula was always first in our class at Kenwood.She will forever be first in our hearts.
I am so sorry for your loss.
DeeDee Yezzi Rohne

Jon Klein

October 29, 2017

Dear Jim and family, I was so sorry to hear of Paula's death. She was a guiding star to so many of us - for prevention, for adolescents, for better pediatric care. I will miss her ready laugh, her infectious enthusiasm, and her wise guidance. She not only taught the circle of courage, she lived it... Our love and prayers are with you...

Laura Shone

October 28, 2017

Sending love to Paula's family, to my AAP and pediatrics families and to Aunt Jane and my Grossman family. Such a loss in too many ways to count, Paula's legacy will enrich us all and will live on to embrace children, teens and families everywhere.

Lois Farnham

October 28, 2017

Jim and family,

What a loss - we are so sorry that she could not endure - at least she got to be a grandmother - her wish - and then some. Prayers and thoughts with you all

Lois & Holly

Ruth Kennedy Grant

October 28, 2017

I am too sad for words to learn that wonderful incredible Paula with so much more to offer has died. (I knew her just a little when she first came to UVM and heard her present.) Deepest condolences to her family.

Ruth Kennedy Grant, MD

Carden Johnston

October 28, 2017

Paula's pleasing personality, always seen, was effectively used in her contributions to the health and well being of children. Many of us writing notes about Paula have had meaningful accomplishments within the AAP. Many of these accomplishments were because we were influenced by her enthusiasm, her foresight, her suggestions, her leadership as well as her demeanor. Few, certainly not me, were as successful as Paula in setting standards and methods of initiating programs that changed the conversation of our nation about America's children.

Sara Packard

October 28, 2017

My deepest condolences to Jim and your family.
Paula's reputation went far beyond her close circles. I admired her professionally and the
the inspiration she provided was a true and lasting gift to our medical community as well as other lives she touched more personally.

Fran DeFlorio Jenness

October 27, 2017

Paula was such a great inspiration for me when we worked together at the Health Dept. Her spirit, energy and child focused efforts will carry on. I am so sad and extend my sympathy and condolences to her family.

DAMIAN DLUGOLECKI

October 27, 2017

We wish to express our sympathy with and condolences to the Duncan family.

Damian, Zofia, Tadzio and Maia Dlugolecki

Patricia Dlugolecki

October 27, 2017

We wish peace and condolences to the whole Duncan family. We are thinking of you.

Kathy Keating

October 27, 2017

This is a loss of monumental proportion. I had the pleasure of working with Paula at University Pediatrics, the Vermont Department of Health and VCHIP over the last 30 years. My kids were on the receiving end of her pediatric skills at times. Once I had a friend visiting from out of state with a child who got ill. Paula saw the little girl at UPeds and my friend was so impressed with her care and tenderness that she was tempted to move her family to Vermont, just to have Paula as a pediatrician.
Paula was a gem of a human being, pediatrician, teacher, mentor, colleague, health care leader, child and family advocate and friend. She did it all with a dose of humor and, oh, that great laugh! Through all these years, though, what especially made her light up, was the pride and love she had for her family. I wish them and her many close friends the best in this most difficult time. Love, Kathy Keating

Barbara Drapola

October 27, 2017

Jim,
I am thinking of you and wishing you peace, quietness of mind, calmness of spirit and a full heart as you and your family endure this difficult time. I am so sorry.

Francis Rushton

October 27, 2017

Paula was many things. A friend, a mentor, a change agent, a colleague. She changed my life forever, and has impacted more children positively perhaps than any other living pediatrician with her vision, her positive approach to care, and her love for her work. I thank God for having known her, and the gift that her life was to all of us

October 27, 2017

Paula was a joy to work with, her energy and spirit will continue to be embraced.

Christine Dornbierer, VCHIP

Scott Johnson

October 27, 2017

Paula's kind, generous and strength filled spirit leaves a lasting imprint. I still laugh out loud when I think of things she'd say: at the beginning of a keynote address she might start by shouting out, I LOVE ADOLESCENTS! and then roll with laughter; or, Do you really think we can get away with that? I'm a good Catholic girl you know! and, That was brilliant! knowing full well it was her idea but wanting to give you the credit. Lots of LOVE to Paula and her family!

Colleen Reuland

October 27, 2017

Paula had a deep impact on me and anyone fortunate enough to know her and love her. The lord has lost a beautiful and amazing soul.

Annette Rexroad

October 27, 2017

Paula was an incredibly caring woman and health care provider who helped improve the care of children throughout this country. I am grateful to have worked with and learned from her years ago in the Dept. of Pediatrics at UVM. She was a lovely human in so many ways. May her spirit live on forever.

Colleen Kraft

October 26, 2017

Paula was a true mentor for me in the field of pediatrics. We will miss her but her legacy exists in the strength-based approach of Bright Futures, which we practice daily with our children and families.

Tom Delaney

October 26, 2017

Paula was an inspiration to me and to so many others who had the chance to work with her. She was a force of nature, really, and I'm grateful to have learned so much from her and with her.

Kay Johnson

October 26, 2017

Paula will be missed by so many friends and colleagues but millions of families who receive strength-based services are the embodiment of her spirit and legacy. Kay Johnson

Laura McGuinn

October 26, 2017

Paula, I miss you so much. My thoughts go to your family. You are my champion! Like you said to me years ago, I know our paths are going to cross many times-Can't wait to see you later...Love,

October 26, 2017

My deepest sympathies to Paula's family. She was a kind, loving, funny, capable, dedicated, thoughtful colleague. My very first meeting with her was unforgettable: she breezed into a clinic room peeking over the top of a huge stack of steaming pizza boxes which she was carrying. It was 1993, and a group of us were planning how best to immunize many hundreds of children during a measles outbreak. Paula announced, "We can't work on empty stomachs! Dig in!" I will miss her greatly. It was a privilege to work with her. Cindy Ingham, RN

Jamie Balch

October 26, 2017

There are not enough words to celebrate Paula. This photo so captures her glowing spirit. Her work is an inspiration and legacy to all those, including myself, who she mentored and brought with her in advocacy, health and well being of children and Vermont Public Health Policy.That work will stand as a memorial to her. It was an honor to know her and to work with her in Burlington Public Schools and through the Department of Health.
My condolences to her family and friends, who so honor her, supported her, and held her close. Jamie Balch

Anya Koutras

October 26, 2017

An beautiful, kind, humble, extraordinary human being. I am grateful to have known you as friend and colleague. Thinking of your family, friends and all the lives you touched.

Wanda Cosman

October 26, 2017

Paula, you were busy working for the well-being of children attending Burlington schools (and everywhere) when I met you. it was an honor working with you for those brief years, because you did make this a better place.

Julia Jacques

October 26, 2017

Jim and family,
I am so saddened to hear of Paula's passing. It was great to see her back 6 months ago. A beautiful, vibrant, professional lady.I always enjoyed our chats and talking about the children. I'm thinking of you and she will be missed.
With Love,

Julia Jacques

October 26, 2017

Paula was one of the most amazing people I have ever known. She was a friend, a colleague, a mentor and a champion for all children and families. She had the magical ability to find the good in everyone she met..she will be missed. Lou DiNicola

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