Paula Annette Googins

Paula Googins

February 23, 1939 - May 25, 2025

Paula Googins, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025, at the age of 86. Born on February 23, 1939, Paula was a proud Colorado native and the youngest of three sisters. She was preceded in death by her sister Mary Lou Vandyne and is survived by her sister Marlene Hodges of Thornton, Colorado.

Paula's roots were deeply grounded in strong family values. Her mother, originally from the dairy farming region of eastern Germany, became a proud United States citizen after immigrating. Her father hailed from the wheat fields of North Dakota. Paula and her sisters shared a close bond and ran a neighborhood paper route together, which remained in the family for an impressive 18 years.

A devoted daughter and sister, Paula traveled to Europe at age 15 with her family, visiting countries including England, France, Holland, Germany, Austria, and Italy-a journey filled with unforgettable reunions and discoveries.

Throughout her youth, Paula was known for her vibrant spirit. She sang in the high school Glee Club, attended nearly every sporting event, and helped in the family-owned bar and restaurant. She loved animals and was a regular at the Cheyenne Frontier Days, the Greeley Stampede, and the Colorado Stock Show. She found great joy in the outdoors, hiking, camping, and skiing in the Colorado mountains.

In 1973, while working at a General Nutrition store, Paula met the love of her life, John Googins. They were married on June 30, 1974, and began their life together in Dillon, Colorado. There, John worked in the concrete and aggregate industry on major Colorado projects including the Eisenhower Tunnel and the development of ski resorts such as Keystone, Breckenridge, and Copper Mountain. Paula contributed to the community by working at the Keystone ski area and the Summit County Preschool. During this time, she and John welcomed two children, Jennifer Lynn and Gary Paul.

Upon returning to Denver in 1980, Paula continued her commitment to early childhood education by working at St. Philip's Church Preschool and running the church nursery on Sundays. Her warmth and dedication touched the lives of many young families, and her impact endures in the hearts of countless former students.

Alongside her work with children, Paula gave generously of her time to the arts. She joined the board of the Arapahoe Philharmonic Orchestra and quickly became a key supporter, organizing regular bingo fundraisers that helped the symphony eliminate its debts and continue thriving.

Paula and John also shared a deep love for travel, visiting over 50 countries together and creating lasting memories around the world.

Paula is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, John Googins; her sister Marlene Hodges; her children Paulette, Jennifer, and Gary; her grandson Garrett Metzler; and many cousins, nephews, and dear friends from around the globe. Her warmth, generosity, and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Donations can be made on Paula's behalf to Humane Colorado animal welfare organization.

Funeral Service can be streamed online via Zoom & YouTube

Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87608333889?pwd=SgQdbwdgPzLZydnXZL4CEId4r9GWP7.1

Meeting ID: 876 0833 3889

Passcode: 833138

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/live/CUgQWHiI50Y?feature=shared