Paula Jean Marino

Paula was the first child of three of Thomas and Tommye Harris. She grew up in Dallas and graduated from W.W. Samuel High School in 1963. Paula met Ron Marino at the State Fair of Texas and they fell in love and were married. Together they had two children, Thomas and Jodi and were married for thirty years. They lived in a quaint neighborhood, right next door to her parents in the Parkdale community. The tight community where the neighbors spent time together having fish fries, dinners out, and socializing. Paula enjoyed cooking her famous home cooked meals and entertaining with her friends and family.

After getting divorced, Paula, who had been a homemaker almost all her married life, pulled up her bootstraps and went back into the workforce. She got a job as a bank teller at Founders National Bank, when that bank got absorbed, she went to work at Texas Brand Bank where she formed many long- lasting friendships at both banks. She was a devoted employee who took pride in her work and had a strong work ethic. Paula lived in her home for over fifty years and remained close friends with her original neighbors and built friendships with the new neighbors. She then moved to an independent living community where she formed new friendships and enjoyed playing games, socializing, and attending food demonstrations.

In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening, shopping, cooking for family, friends and co-workers. She really knew how to make her home a warm and inviting place for family and friends to gather together.

Her family and friends will remember her warm spirit, wisdom, quiet humility, loyalty and kindness. She was a great listener- she did not say much but when she did - it was always right on the mark.

She is preceded in death by her mother Tommye Harris and father Thomas Harris. She will be buried by their sides at Grove Hill Cemetery in Dallas.

She is survived by her son Thomas Marino, daughter Jodi Rotenberry and her husband Russell Rotenberry, grandchildren Jack and Em Rotenberry, brother Dewayne Harris and wife Barbara Harris, sister Jo Sumrall and husband Bill Sumrall, nephew Beau Darrow Borchardt and husband Aaron Hill and niece Susan Rodriguez and husband Richard Rodriguez.

Paula did not want a formal funeral and wanted her friends and family to celebrate her life. A graveside service will be performed for family members.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the St. Jude Children's hospital in her name.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.andersonclaytongonzalez.com for the Marino family. Please share your special memories- those words are so comforting.