Paula Painter

1929 - 2025

Paula Beatrice Painter, 96, formerly of Three Rivers, passed away Thursday, October 16, 2025, in Chandler, Arizona.
She was born February 10, 1929 in Brooklyn, N.Y., the daughter of John and Beatrice (Moore) Jahn, and graduated from Mineola High School with the Class of 1947. She went on to get a degree from Geneseo State Teachers College. Over the years she called many different places "home" the most significant being Three Rivers, MI.
On August 23, 1952, Paula married Randall Painter. In the early years of their marriage, Randall served in several churches. This meant that Paula also 'served' performing many behind the scenes chores to keep things moving smoothly, as well as teaching Sunday School. Before their sons arrived, Paula also took various teaching jobs.
In 1965 Randall was called to serve at the First Presbyterian Church of Three Rivers/Centreville, Paula got involved in the church and community, especially spreading warmth by making blankets through the Afghan Ladies program. She also served the church by teaching Sunday School and as a member of the Board of Deacons. As their two sons grew older, Paula returned to teaching, primarily at the pre-school and kindergarten levels (including a number of years as director of the Three Rivers Co-operative Nursery School). After a move to Grand Rapids, Paula continued her work with pre-school children with the Head Start program.
Besides knitting, Paula enjoyed numerous activities including Bridge Playing and working out at the local health club. In the retirement years, Paula continued these activities as well as adding quite a bit of travel. She and Randall visited family, friends, and did general site-seeing from coast to coast, as well as a couple of trips to Europe.
Paula always had a pleasant and friendly demeanor. People always commented that she was such a sweet lady. Even through the years with dementia, and ultimately Alzheimer's, she maintained this personality. Late in life, all her various caregivers fell in love with her.
Paula is survived by her sister Melissa (Jahn) Vancely, brother Gary (Carolyn) Jahn, son John (Patricia) Painter; son Donald (Debby) Painter; grandchildren Kimberly Painter (Alex) Evrard, Jeffrey (Jessi) Painter, and Erik (Kat) Gincig; great grandchildren Desmond, Amelia, Tobias, Ariana, and Aiden; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Randall Painter, and brother David Jahn.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Three Rivers/Centreville, 320 N. Main St., Three Rivers, with Clint Cozier officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Paula's memory may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association. Envelopes will be available at the church and at Hohner Funeral Home.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.hohnerfh.com.