Obituary of Paula Elizabeth Phinney

Paula Phinney, 51, of Fraser’s Mountain, passed away peacefully in the Aberdeen hospital on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 with her loved ones by her side. Paula was born on February 4th, 1971 in New Glasgow to Heather (Proudfoot) and Clarence Phinney. She is survived by the love of her life, her only son, Jaden Lim. She is also survived by her mother, her sister Janice and her husband, Jeff Wadden, and her beloved niece, Natalie. She also leaves behind to mourn her, partner, Bobby Paquette, and the father of her son, Kenny Lim. Her lifelong friends, colleagues and precious dog Adi will miss her “larger than life” presence in their lives. Paula is survived by her cousins David, Jeff and Leslie Fox and by her extended family. She was predeceased by her father, Fin, with whom she shared a love of music and a special talent. She was also predeceased by her beloved dog DaCoda, with whom she had a deep bond, and she cherished their daily walks together. A graduate of New Glasgow High School, Paula was an excellent student and an exceptional performer from a young age. She sang and performed through school and church activities and in the New Glasgow Music Festival. She also showed outstanding athletic ability on the basketball court during her school years. A graduate of StFX University with a BA and a BEd, Paula spent her early teaching years in the Canadian North, gaining invaluable experience in the classroom and life. After returning to Nova Scotia, she taught for over 25 years for CCRCE, and for many of those years as a reading recovery specialist at Frank H MacDonald Elementary School. She was always prepared for each lesson and wanted to make an impact on every student she met along the way. Their success was her priority. A lifelong member of St Andrews Presbyterian Church in New Glasgow, she attended Sunday School and choir from a young age instilling these same values in her son. She loved entertaining Jaden and his friends and created a welcoming home where all were welcome to the pool, for a sleepover, fun games. And lots of great food. Every child she knew thought Paula was the coolest and most fun mother they knew. Her love for Jaden and the light he brought her was the source of great pride. She loved him with every fiber of her being. If you knew Paula, you knew her family and friends were everything to her. She provided loving care and support to her parents. Paula cherished many trips to Cheticamp and Quarterdeck in the summer for nonstop laughter and fun. Her mother’s daughter, she was very organized in everything she did including cleaning, decorating, baking and throwing parties. Her chicken nachos and chocolate chip cookies are well known to all who loved her. (Always served with Pepsi to enjoy fully!) Her sister, Janice, was her best friend and confidante. They could communicate without words, anticipating each other’s thoughts and feelings. They were an unstoppable team together. They were famous for buying every color of favorite sheets if the LL Bean catalogue had them. Their family gatherings and Christmas were events to remember but it was in the quiet support and care they provided their mother, father and each other that their deep bond and love was evident. She and Kenny shared a life together that included raising their son, building an oasis where Paula, friends and family spent countless hours of fun, and travelling to warmer climates in the winter. She cherished those years together, and she was at peace knowing that Kenny loves Jaden as fiercely as she did. Her loved ones will surround them with their love in her honour. Bobby, your care, love and support through her final years was noticed and appreciated. She was lucky to have you by her side. For Paula’s friends and colleagues, she brought joy to any conversation, event or activity. She loved hosting and her colleagues looked forward to her annual summer party. She was always quick to lend a hand to a friend and took great care to find and make special gifts that will be forever cherished. She shared her love and sense of humor, even as she was readying herself to go to heaven. She knew in the end that she was loved, and she loved all in return. When you think of her, think of that glorious laugh, persistent drive, generosity and huge heart she shared with anyone that was blessed to know her. The family would like to thank the VON, Aberdeen Hospital Emergency Department and ICU staff for your care and comfort provided to Paula. In particular, thanks to Dr, Roy, Dr, Fahim and Dr Van Darme, nurse Donna in ER, and nurse Christina in ICU. Also, our gratitude to her lifelong family doctor, Dr Elliott who was there on the day she was born and the day she died, and the many years of care in between. Family flowers only by request. Please consider a donation in Paula’s memory to the Reading Recovery Program at Frank H MacDonald Elementary School, The Aberdeen Health Foundation in support of the Intensive Care Unit, St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, New Glasgow or a charity of your choice. The family will receive friends from 12 – 2 pm on Tuesday, December 6 in the H.W. Angus Funeral Home, 256 King Street, New Glasgow. A private family funeral will follow with burial in the Abercrombie Cemetery. “Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul There is no such thing as separation” Rumi