Born on June 17, 1953 in Crawfordsville, Indiana, she was the daughter of Connie Riddle and the late Bob Patterson; and the sister of Steven Patterson. 

Paula was twice married: John Meade in 1973 Portland, Oregon; Edward Sweeney in 1985 Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Paula had four children: Carrie (1979) & Jeffrey Meade (1982); Matthew (1986) & Amy Sweeney (1987).  

Paula was a 1971 graduate of Turkey Run High School. While raising four young children, she earned a Bachelors degree from the Saint Joseph College of Nursing, and in 2009, obtained her Masters in Health System Management Informatics from Loyola University of Chicago.  

As many know, Paula was born in rural Indiana into a farming family. Her curiosity and sense of adventure led her down an unconventional career path. She worked as a manufacturing production technician, real estate agent, and caretaker to her four children before pursuing a career in the healthcare field -- taking on various roles as consultant, project manager, senior analyst, and pharmaceutical representative. She spent over 6 years as an operating room nurse at Loyola Hospital, and volunteered her time with programs such as Feeding Tampa Bay and Doctors Without Borders. 

Paula was someone who always pursued her passions in life, including a career in acting which was a dream of hers. She took an improv comedy class at Second City in Chicago and would frequently boast about her gameshow abilities; even submitting an application to be a participant on her favorite show, Wheel of Fortune. Paula enjoyed going to the beach and would travel every opportunity she had; visiting Morocco, Peru, Ireland, France and many other countries during her life. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, partner, and friends.  

Paula played an irreplaceable role in the lives of her children and never stopped being a mother or caretaker. She had a big heart and would do anything for her children and grandchildren, who are blessed to have so many wonderful memories with her.  

Paula's never ending strength and sense of humor remained constant throughout her life and is how she will be remembered by her loved ones. Paula was frequently laughing and always enjoyed life to the fullest. And those that knew her best will tell you, she was never afraid to speak her mind.

Paula had recently celebrated her 68th birthday with a trip to the beach, and spent her final days comforted by the love and support of her partner, Ron Kaplan, in their home in Sun City Center, Florida. 

Her family is forever thankful to Ron for the support he has shown to our mother, and for the outpouring of love and kindness that has been shown to us by family and friends during this difficult time. 

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