Our adventurer got her start in San Francisco, California on March 4th, 1959. As a child of her time and place (we’ve all heard about the San Francisco of the 60’s and 70’s) she had lots of stories and was the cause of many gray hairs for her parents, Helen and Earl Neel.
The late 70’s to mid 80’ brought much change and excitement. She got married, had children and was a pioneer of the California to Texas movement. Her later exploits were plentiful, and some highlights are: that she gave advice freely, was a supporter of local communities in the many places she lived, rescued hundreds of animals, saw much of the US and some of the world, and she loved her family.
To her children, Jessica and Brandon Barnes, she gave her love of any creature that wasn’t a banana slug (her children like them just to be contrary) an appreciation of reading, rock music, going to concerts and traveling. Among the many things she taught them are compassion, generosity, cooking and how to have a conversation with just about anyone.
Paula lives on in the hearts of her mother, sister, children, numerous nieces & nephews, and friends, as well as through the lives she touched, both animal and human, in the rescue community.
As much as she loved plants and flowers she would have preferred that you donate to an animal rescue organization. The ones she worked closely with were Cat Allies of Texas, Siamese, Oriental and Snowshoe - SOS Cat Rescue and Rehoming, and the Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area. But if you have a favorite rescue that’s good too.
Her family would be delighted and comforted if you share a story, memory or photo with them.
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