Paula Ann O'Connell

On Friday, November 26, Paula Ann O'Connell left her earthly home for her next adventure. She was born in Westport, Connecticut, to Dr. William and Mary O'Connell. Paula had an older brother, William, "Billy," and two older sisters, June and Patricia, "Pete."

When Paula was young, the family moved to Underhill, Vermont, and lived out in the country. Paula loved living in Vermont-the fields of flowers, her mother's gardens, the mountain they could see from their house, and all the little animals and birds she saw constantly. Paula started drawing at a very early age, and later attended the School for Visual Arts in New York City, where she studied painting. She also attended Trinity College in Burlington, Vermont, earning a master's degree in Sociology.

Paula came to New Mexico in the early 70s with her best friend, Brigid De Guzman. She first moved to Cuba, where she had an encounter with Jesus that changed her life. She later moved to Albuquerque, where she continued to draw and paint and enjoy her garden. She taught private art classes for children, illustrated children's books, and developed illustrated lessons for children's Sunday School. She was a fixture in her neighborhood, between the UNM and CNM campuses, where she made many friends. She wanted to stay there to be able to pray, as she once told a friend, "I pray for every person I meet."

Paula never married or had children of her own, but she helped raise Daniel Silverstein and she was the godmother of Muir De Guzman. Her sisters and their children enjoyed their visits to New Mexico and loved to spend time with their quirky, creative, and delightful Aunt Paula. Even though she lived for many years in New Mexico, she remained a real Yankee-independent, frugal, and self-sufficient. Paula loved color-all colors. She loved the colors of flowers, or leaves on a tree, or a baby's rosy cheeks. If you plan to attend her service or burial, celebrate her life by wearing bright colors-especially red, her favorite color.

Paula is survived by her beloved nieces and nephews and their children, by her many friends, and by her sweet Miss Kitty. A special thank-you goes to Gloria Sigala, who cared for Paula so lovingly this past year.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Food for the Poor, www.FoodForThePoor.org.

Please feel free to share special memories of Paula.

Services for Paula will be held at 1111 University Blvd. NE, at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, December 5, followed by burial at Fairview Cemetery, 700 Yale Blvd. SE, at 12:00 p.m.