Paula Gayle Cheshire

Paula Gayle Cheshire, aged 69, of Owosso, Michigan, passed away in the comfort of her home on September 23, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Paula was born on June 22, 1956, in Howell, Michigan, to her loving parents Earl and Roberta. She was a proud graduate of Howell High School and went on to further her education at Dayton Practical School of Nursing in Dayton, Ohio, where she obtained her degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
She worked at Community Multicare Center (CMC) in Fairfield, Ohio (1983–1990), Lansing General Hospital (1990–1997), and Mid Michigan Physicians (2002–2007). Paula was renowned for her compassionate care, quick wit, and ability to connect with those around her.
On May 29, 2010, Paula married the love of her life, Francis Anthony "Tony" Cheshire. Together, they shared joy, laughter, and adventure, from lakeside getaways to casinos and trips to Sarnia and Chico, as well as Bay City, South Haven, and countless family gatherings and holidays. When Tony passed away in 2016, Paula's love for him never wavered. She often wrote messages to him on his memorial page, keeping his memory alive with words straight from her heart. In her messages, Paula recalled how important it is to savor every single minute of every day, because in the blink of an eye, everything changes. To her, Tony was and always would be her best friend, her love, her man, her awesome husband, and her forever soulmate. Their time together went by far too fast, but Paula always said she would forever be grateful and proud of him, of them, of the life they built side by side.
Paula was fiery, feisty, and full of life. Strong and independent, she set an example of resilience for her children and grandchildren. Family was of the utmost importance to her; any chance she got to be with family, that's where you'd find her.
She was an amazing mom, cherishing her children and loving them unconditionally. This was an important part of her life that she mastered. She was overwhelmingly loved by her children, and there wasn't anything she wouldn't do at any time for her kids. She was a mom who would lend an ear and listen without being judgmental or critical, and always tried to do her best to give advice. Paula was the heart, soul, and lifeline of her children, to whom they will always be thankful, grateful, and cherish.
She loved lighthouses, lakes, and any body of water, which brought her tranquility and serenity. She often took trips to sit by the water and soak in its peace, and built an impressive collection of lighthouses to keep close for the times when she couldn't make it to the water's edge. Paula enjoyed dragonflies, classic cars, and trips to the casinos with Tony. She treasured movie nights with her grandsons, proudly saying she was "the luckiest" to always have three boys to escort her. She also loved being able to get her snuggles in with her grandson, Adonis, and go for car rides to see the horses. She loved her rice pudding, especially when she wasn't feeling well, and her favorite color was purple. Paula also loved music, especially Prince, Michael Jackson, and Bob Seger.
Always on the go, Paula lived life on her own terms. She loved people fiercely, took joy in caring for them, and never hesitated to stand up for herself and those she loved. She had a soft heart but wasn't afraid to be tough when needed. Her strength, resilience, and generosity truly defined her character and set the tone for her life and legacy.
Paula is survived by her children, Daniel Steele, Angela Steele, and Andrea Parks; stepchildren Derek Cheshire and Meghan (Tree) Bingham; grandchildren Tiara (Lance) Beckman, Kurt (Briana Wilson) Pohl Jr., Isiah Pohl, Daniel J. Steele, Adonis Kingsley, and Odin Bingham; and her great-grandson Conner Beckman. She also leaves behind her beloved mother, Roberta Keenan; her brother, Christopher Gibson; her best friend of 45 years, Susan Sutten; her close friend, Jim Haas; and her cherished calico cat, Jinx.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Tony, her father Earl Gibson, her stepfather James Keenan, and her daughter-in-law Denise Orr.
Paula will be remembered for her strength, independence, laughter, and love. Her family and friends will remember her not only for her resilience, but also for her heart, a heart that loved fiercely and gave freely. To everyone who was blessed to know and love her, Paula was unforgettable. She was, and always will be, "4ever, 4 life and beyond."
Memories and online condolences may be shared with the family at www.WatkinsFuneralHomes.com