Paula Gail Wolgast Shea

After Taking Care of Business here on Earth, Paula Gail Wolgast Shea laced up her Blue Suede Shoes and danced her way from Tallahassee, Florida to heaven on December 8, 2023 where she is sure to raise a bit of hell like she did during her life.

Paula was born in Tucson, Arizona on February 20, 1956 to Billie Dale and Anne Carroll. Paula’s birth was followed by the birth of her brother Billy Dale and sister Carla. The trio spent many years on the family farm in Missouri being chased by geese, riding horses and even a cow or two.

From a young age Paula showed her strength and a bit of stubbornness with a larger than life attitude. Although she was not very big, she would not hesitate to introduce someone to the wall when they used the “f word” in her presence (like her brother), or grab the family jewels if she was losing a wrestling match against her son or one of her grandsons. The later part of her life was spent traveling, spending quality time with her grandchildren, and enjoying wood working with her companion, even becoming the President of the North Florida Woodturners. After raising her three children who blessed her with five grandchildren, she was overjoyed to welcome her first great-grandchild in June of 2022.

Paula held a variety positions throughout her life including hygienist, daycare owner, member of the Monroe County School Board, assistant to a State Senator, Legislative Liaison for the Florida Department of Education, and Director of the Center for Independent Living of the Florida Keys, but the the positions where she really shined was as a Mom and Grandmother.

Paula was survived by her two daughters, Tiffany and Mallory, her grandchildren, Jacob, Andre, Cameron, McKenzie and Annabelle, her great-grandson, Jackson Sparrow, her brother Billy Dale (Lisa), and sisters Carla (Ivar) and Meredith, nephews, JR, and Michael Lee, and nieces, Taylor (Sergio), Bailey, Kendall (Jeff), and Olivia, her uncle, Chuck, and aunt, Roberta. Her long-time companion, Tom and furbaby, Sir Winston, were by her side as shed her human form and transcended to her paradise among the clouds.

No one has any doubt that Paula’s mother, Anne, and her beloved son, Jeremy, were waiting at the gates of heaven to greet her with a huge hugs, some off-key singing and joyful dancing; a greeting Paula had been waiting for for a long time and time goes by so slowly.

A celebration of life will be held in April 2024 for Paula in the Florida Keys. Details will be announced once finalized.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in remembrance of Paula to Franklin County Humane Society by mail to PO Box 417, East Point, Florida 32328 or on their website at forgottenpets.org. It was from here that Paula adopted her sweet puppy Sir Winston which she adored.

Lonely rivers flow to the sea, to the sea to the open arms of the sea, yeah Lonely rivers sigh "Wait for me, wait for me" I'll be coming home, wait for me ~Unchained Melody