Paula was born on October 31, 1948 in Scranton, Pennsylvania to Joseph and Irene Bunevitch Martin. Following graduation from Scranton Central High School in 1966, Paula attended the University of Scranton and the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, earning her RN in 1969. Thereafter, she spent nearly forty years caring for others, first as an operating room nurse, then in the newborn nursery, and finally as a childbirth educator and lactation consultant. Countless patients, both young and old, benefited from her sage counsel and gentle touch.
In 1972, Paula married the love of her life, Bob Zech. After brief stints in Milford, Pennsylvania and Ft. Eustis, Virginia, they settled in Harrisburg, where Paula worked at Holy Spirit Hospital. In 1992, Paula graduated from the University of St. Francis, with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Health Sciences.
She found her faith home at Tree of Life Lutheran Church, where she sang with the choir, participated in Vacation Bible School, and served on the Worship and Music Committee.
Paula was a creative soul – a talented seamstress, a great cook, and an exquisite cake decorator. She delighted in her role as “Gramzie” to both her human and canine grandchildren.
Paula is survived by her husband of 50 years, Robert Wesley Zech, Jr.; daughter Kristin Zech (Bryan Olmos) of Fairfax, Virginia; sister Martina Martin (Donald Struke) of Baltimore, Maryland; grandchildren Elliott, Anna, and Gabriel Olmos; nephew Quinn Struke; niece Evan Struke; as well as beloved godchildren, cousins, and dear friends.
Visitation will be held on February 17 at Tree of Life Lutheran Church, Harrisburg, at 10 am, followed by a funeral service at 11 am. Interment will be in St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Moscow, on February 18 at 12 pm.
In her memory, Paula’s family kindly requests that donations be made to Tree of Life Lutheran Church or Smile Train.
