Our beloved mother, Paula, passed away peacefully in her home on December 12, a lovely smile on her face, with Michael and Monica at her side. We are blessed to have celebrated Mom’s 91st birthday just two days earlier, both in person and from a distance via the numerous calls and cards received. It was a very full and accomplished 91 years. Paula left us a short nine months after the passing of Ernie, her devoted husband of 67 years.
Paula is survived by son Michael and his wife Anne (Bayfield), daughter Monica (Mississauga) and grandchildren Matthew Tafeit (Toronto), Stephen Tafeit and his fiancé Teegan Skals (Toronto,), Katherine Johnstone and her husband Ryan Sims (Toronto), and Peter Johnstone (Whistler, B.C.).
Born on December 10, 1928 in Slovenia, Paula grew up and met her future husband Ernie in Austria. As newlyweds they left for Canada in 1951, settling in Goderich in 1953. Both fell in love with Canada, Goderich and especially the people they met – friendly, kind and helpful in their assimilation into Canadian life.
As a couple, they built a family, a business (Akromold) and their careers. Paula was among the first cohort of staff at the Goderich Psychiatric Hospital where she found her calling in the Occupational Therapy department assisting those in need of domestic and life skills. Along the way, Paula and Ernie enjoyed their many dear friends from home and abroad and explored the world with family, friends and as a couple. Most importantly though, Paula never tired of spending countless hours with her four cherished grandchildren. Paula was also a perfectionist in every way. Those who knew Mom knew her passion for home and garden. Mom loved getting her hands dirty in the garden and seeing the results of her efforts. Although in later years it became increasingly difficult to tend to these personally, she nonetheless never fully relinquished control over how things ought properly be done inside and out.
Mom, Grandma, Paula will be greatly missed.
Paula did not wish a funeral or memorial service and will be interned, together again with Ernie, in the spring of 2020 at the Maitland Cemetery in Goderich.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to all who provided invaluable assistance in keeping Mom in her home through their services, visits and friendship and to the doctors and nurses for their compassionate care.
In recognition of Paula’s many years of service to the Psychiatric Hospital and later the Mental Health unit of the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital, donations to the AMGH Foundation are greatly appreciated and will be directed toward the redevelopment of the AMGH Mental Health and Addictions Unit. Friends may sign the book of condolences at www.mccallumpalla.ca
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Joanne Whitney (Thompson)
Dear Mike, Monica & families
You will never forget a loved one that has given you so much to cherish and remember.
My sincere condolences, Joanne Whitney
Wayne & Heather Lyons
Our prayers and sympathy to the family. Paula was a very sweet and accomplished woman. We will remember both Paula and Ernie with fondness and admiration.
Sharon Wendler
I am so sorry to hear of Paula’s passing although I am sure she is happy to be with your father again . Your family has had quite a year. My sincere condolences to all of you.
Robert Kapppmeier
It is with deep sadness I reflect on the the passing of my aunt Paula so soon after uncle Ernie’s passing. I have many fond memories of times shared in my youth with Paula and my cousins in idyllic Goderich and their cottage on Lake Huron.
With Paula now gone, the world has diminished for my parents, Romana (Paula’s older sister) and Anton Kappmeier, who with myself, Paula and Ernie sailed to a new land full of hope, dreams and promise.
All of us in our respective extended families owe a huge debt of gratitude for having such a wealth of opportunities provided by our parents’ courage and vision.
Paula and Ernie will be greatly missed but even more, fondly remembered and loved.
Jo-Anne Homan
I met Paula when we both worked at the Psychiatric Hospital. She never minded any task that was assigned to her. Always eager to do her best. She smiled and opened her heart to us all, staff and patients. I am so glad you were able to keep her at home after you lost your dad. To be home and surrounded by your family and familiar things is so important as your life comes to a close. What a full life to have had. Much love and family.
Evelyn Kappmeier
Such sadness to hear of my Tante Paula passing away. I will always cherish the beautiful memories we had when we were growing up, camping, visiting in Goderich, the beach and my first ski trip to Collingwood. Monica, Mike and to your families my sincere condolences go out to you. From all of us on west coast we send you loving thoughts and prayers. She will truly be missed.
Sharon Brown
So sorry to hear of Paula’s passing. Our heartfelt sympathies to all of you. She was a lovely lady. Paula and Ernie always made everyone feel welcome. I have many fond memories of times spent with the family in Collingwood. She will be missed.
Ralph and Eleanor Smith
What a surprise to see Paula’s name here. Please pass on our condolences to the family.
Connie and Kevin Tasker
Although we havent seen Paula in quite sometime, we remevber today as the most kind loving person. We used to have Taskers Mens and Ladies wear on west Street and Paula came in a lot shopping for Ernie, or Christmas or Birthdays. I did meet her on the Street a few years ago and she still remembered me with kind words. Lovely Angel to join Gods beautiful Garden along side your dad.
David Smith
It is with great sadness we heard of Paula’s passing. I promised her a visit and will always regret putting it off.
Our deepest sympathies to the entire family.
Sincerely
David an Michelle Smith
Jim Mulhern
Our condolence to the family(s).
Jim & Mona Mulhern
Joanne Walters
Monica, Mike & families,
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your lovely mother. She was so kind to me when I was a little girl playing with Monica in our Cambridge Street neighbourhood. I’m glad I got to have a little visit with her at your father’s service. I’m sure you will have many happy memories of both her & your father to comfort you in the difficult days ahead.
Joanne Walters (& Winnie)