Obituary of Paula K. Shelley

Paula Kathryn Shelley (Meehan) of Goodyear, Arizona died peacefully surrounded by her children on January 6, 2020 in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania. She was born to the late Charles and Dorothy Meehan on February 12, 1944 in New York City. Paula loved her childhood in the Bronx and her local neighborhood centered around St. Nicholas of Tolentine primary school and high school. She later attended Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, New York and graduated in 1966. Paula began teaching 1st grade in the Bronx and continued to teach later in San Diego California, Danbury Connecticut and Avondale Arizona. Paula married the love of her life, William (Bill) Shelley in July 1968 and then raised 3 children providing amazing love and support. She continued to challenge herself with learning despite being a busy mother and wife. She earned her master’s in education from Western Connecticut State University along with many classes on diverse teaching styles, early reading teaching methods and numerous art classes. Paula and Bill worked hard and even ran a family business together while Paula taught in Catholic and local public schools. When time provided opportunities to travel, they were always captured and then treasured as memories. Paula loved with all her heart and her entire life was spent in service to others. Besides being a gentle and loved teacher, she volunteered at 2 different hospitals, a women’s and children’s shelter and various church ministries. Paula’s love and care of her children and grandchildren was always felt and witnessed. Paula was predeceased by her loving husband of 35 years, Bill Shelley and by her sister Dorothy Furphy. Paula is survived by her 3 children: Nancy (and Paul) Darmory of Reston, Virginia; Laura (and David) Herron of Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania; and Michael (and Cynthia) Shelley of Goodyear, Arizona. Paula is also loved and missed by her 5 grandchildren: Bridget, Nicholas, Alexander, Sean and Bianca. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 11am and family visiting hour just prior at 10am at St. Philip Neri Church, 437 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania. Another memorial service in Goodyear, Arizona will be held in the coming months. Paula requested in lieu of flowers a charitable donation be made to the American Cancer Society.