Paula Mae Baymiller

Truly a Renaissance Woman

 

In the early morning hours of Thursday, February 8, our beloved Paula fell asleep in the Lord. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Paula fell victim to the ravages of Alzheimer’s.

 

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1953, she graduated from Oberlin College with a studio art and physical education degree. Much of her career was spent working at Oberlin College, where, among other things, she served as the Assistant Editor of the Alumni Magazine and finally as the Circulation Director of the Art Library.  Blessed with perfect pitch, over the course of her lifetime, she was able to play myriad musical instruments, including classical piano, recorder, classical and folk guitar, electric bass, cello, viola de gamba, Indian Mrdanga drum, and bluegrass fiddle. She particularly loved Baroque, Medieval, and Renaissance Music. An avid reader, her favorite author was Annie Dillard. 

 

Paula was also an accomplished visual artist, excelling as a potter, photographer, painter, sculptor, printmaker, and book and stamp artist. She often gave classes on bookbinding and artist books. 

 

Finally, Paula excelled in many sports over her career. She played varsity basketball, lacrosse, volleyball, and field hockey in college. She also excelled as a bodybuilder and distance runner and often participated in recreational softball and soccer leagues.

 

Paula was an active and devoted member of her Orthodox Christian church and loved her church family. She is survived by her husband, Chris, son Zachary (Shana Newhouse), stepchildren, Holly (John) Coulter and Derek, along with six grandchildren. 

 

She fought a long battle and will be missed. 

 

Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Monday at Ss. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, 2238 E. 32nd Street in Lorain, and conclude with a Parastas service at 6:00 p.m.  The family will also receive friends on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 10:00 a.m. in the church. Archpriest Joseph McCartney, pastor, along with Mitred Archpriest Basil Stoyka and Rev. Fr. Ilia Marzev will officiate.  Burial will follow in the Eastern Rite section of Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township.

 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Paula can be made by mail to the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, 28728 Wolf Road, Bay Village, OH 44140, or online at https://29430.blackbaudhosting.com/29430/Annual-Fund.