Paula Rae "Blondie" Springstead's Obituary
Paula Rae Thomas Springstead, 62, passed away September 15 after struggling with Alzheimer’s disease since 1999. She was born Aug. 15, 1948 in Muskegon to Frank and Ann (Alkema) Thomas and lived here all her life. Paula spent most of her career as a legal secretary for the County of Muskegon. She married John L. Springstead on Feb. 14, 1975, and he survives her, along with her children, Amy (Mike) Wachowski of Kalamazoo and T.J. (Amanda Palmatter) Springstead of Muskegon; six granddaughters, Grace and Eliana Wachowski and Ashley, Jenna, Caia and Kadence Springstead; a sister, Pam (Luckey) Elkins of Stanwood, WA; brothers Steve (Angela Johnson) Thomas of Farmington, MN and Frank (Carol) Thomas of Scottsdale, AZ; aunts Irene Crane and Marilyn Thomas, both of Muskegon; sisters-in-law Bernadette Thomas, Marilynn (Rick) LeMieux and Chris (Jeff) Erickson; brother-in-law Jim Zue; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and her best friends, Toni Guerne and Mary Haara. Family was very important to Paula, and their joy and well-being were always her greatest concern. She was a loving, caring, compassionate person who was always willing to help others. Paula loved the outdoors and sharing Lake Michigan sunsets with John, and she couldn’t pass a stream without dipping her foot in. She loved gardening, bird watching—and especially cardinals--and flowers, as well as music and dancing. Paula was always interested in learning new things. THE FUNERAL MASS for Paula will be celebrated at 1:00 PM Saturday at St. Francis de Sales Church with Rev. Fr. Thomas J. Brown as celebrant and interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery. VISITATION will be 3:00–7:00 PM on Friday, September 17 at The Lee Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc., 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444, (231)-798-1100. The Rosary will be prayed there at 6:30 P.M. Friday. The Family would like to thank Agape Home, where Paula resided the past three and one-half years and received excellent care and compassion. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be made to Agape Home Residents’ Outing Fund or Alzheimer’s Association.
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