"Paula Marie"

After my sister-in-law's coworker and good friend passed away in her sleep, my wife asked me to do a poem for her to read at the memorial service which over 150 people were to attend. She was the co-owner of a place called Hair Emporium. She was a surviving cancer patient who volunteered in helping other cancer patients look good and feel better by giving them gifts such as wigs and makeup kits. She also showed them how to wrap scarves around their heads. She gave them hope to carry on. She was also a substitute teacher who loved her job and gave it all she had. She loved fish tacos, shrimp cocktail, and any type of lemon dessert. Her favorite song was the "Dancing Queen" by ABBA and her two favorite wigs in the shop that she always would wear were "Hunter" and "Savvy." Omar was her husband who had a special funny button that he put on the computer that he labeled "Wife Needs Money Button." She used to walk into the shop, hit that button, grab some money and walk out. Being the owner's wife and co-owner it was really fun to watch. Anyway, this poem "Paula Marie" was my end result.

A spirit of passion, a heart made of gold
an example of goodness for all to uphold.
A beautiful wife and mother of three
so goes the story of "Paula Marie."

She battled with cancer, with all of her might
with Omar beside her, surviving the fight.
She loved all the patients whose hope was all gone
and gave the encouragement they need to move on.

And teaching the children was a strength we can add
with their future in mind, she gave all that she had.
And to keep the business from being a flop
she always would do what's best for the shop.

She loved her shrimp cocktail and lemon dessert
and the Galley's fish taco's she could eat till it hurt.
And facials from Esther for beautiful skin
would add to the beauty she had from within.

And singing out loud to her favorite song
with her best friend Cindy to sing-along.
Just two happy friends and the joy in between
rocking out to the "Dancing Queen."

And the wonderful times of joy that she spread
with "Hunter" or "Savvy" adorned on her head.
And when short on the funds just for a day
she clicked "Wife Needs Money," and it all went away.

She gave us her all to the fullest degree
and we're all going to miss our

"Paula Marie."

By Dale Coolbaugh
9/17/19