Stephen McNeil - A Toast to Paula

Everyone in attendance here this evening has experienced times of separation from a good friend. After a reunion with the friend that you haven’t seen in a long time, you sometimes come away thinking, “Wow! Our conversation picked up like we had been speaking yesterday.” This was always the case with Paula and I. She was genuine. She really wanted to know what you were up to, and she was truly interested. You could always count on easy conversation and a friendly face.

In Timberlea tonight, just like we heard here this evening at the Savoy, a lot of the stories focus on the fact that Paula was a fabulous educator who left an indelible mark on her students and colleagues. When I remember Paula, however, I remember the girl across the street. One of the several kids that were blessed to grew up in one of the best neighborhoods in the world.

She was one of the umpteen kids Barry Martin could fit into a green suburban and head off to the beach on a summer day. In our neighborhood, Paula could play dress up with all of the girls…and just as easily…flatten all the boys in a “friendly” game of basketball. I remember as young children playing “Paula’s Charms”, a game that involved Paula and other girls chasing the boys and trying to kiss them on the cheek. We must have been very young at the time because the other boys and I all tried to run away.

Paula and I were in the same grade throughout school and I was honored to be her Grand March partner upon graduation. Thinking back to our school days, the thing that stands out for me the most had very little to do with school itself. Almost every school day for thirteen years, Paula was the last person I said, “See Ya!” to, on the way home. We would all leave St. Anne’s or St. Mike’s as a huge mass, and then groups would separate as each intersection was passed. Coady Street kids would make their way up the street and some of my best of friends would branch off into each house. More often than not, however, it would be Paula and I at that last fork in the road home between houses #6 and #7. Most of the walks home were quite happy, some were just ordinary, but there were some sad ones as well. No matter the type of day though, you could always count on easy conversation and a friendly face.

Paula left us far too early, but she has left an extraordinary imprint on all who knew her. There is an old Irish saying,

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,
but love leaves a memory no one can steal.”

Tonight we remember Paula on her birthday, as an inspirational friend, daughter, sister, teacher, and mother. I’m sure she’s in Heaven now, greeting everyone with easy conversation and a friendly face.

At this time I ask you all to raise a glass, and share a birthday toast for Paula,

Happy Birthday, Paula!