It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Paula Rose Connell, age 99. Paula passed away peacefully at her home in Niles, Michigan on January 30, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.
Paula was born July 14, 1925, in South Bend, Indiana to the late Anthony J. Martin and Pauline M. (Pendl) Martin.
She spent most of her childhood in Michiana before settling in Niles and graduating from Niles High School in 1943. In her adult life, Paula did clerical work at Simplicity Pattern Company, the office of Dr. Scott Moore, Franky’s Restaurant, and the unemployment office.
Paula was a very independent redhead woman who caught the eye of a young man named Norman “Mike” Connell and on December 28, 1947, the two were married. Shortly after, they had two daughters, Sherry A. English and Debra K. Swaim. Paula loved her daughters and taught them the same lessons of independence. Paula truly was a woman who loved fiercely, nurtured with wisdom, and empowered with a spirit that always shone brighter than the present.
Throughout her life Paula enjoyed interior design, fashion, attending church, gardening, enjoying her pond, and spending time with her family.
Paula is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and three siblings, Phyllis (Gene) V. Griffin, James (Eleanor) R. Martin, and Burnell (Sandy) “Bunny” P. Martin. She is survived by daughters, Sherry (Brian) English of South Bend, and Debra (Gary) Swaim of Buchanan; sister-in-law, Gwen Blair of South Carolina; grandchildren, Melissa (Nick) Glaser of South Bend, and Joseph Swaim of Buchanan; and great-grandchildren, Nathan Glaser, Hannah Glaser, Caleb Glaser, and Jonah Glaser of South Bend, and Wyatt Swaim and Landon Swaim of Buchanan; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
A special thanks to Corewell Health, especially to Keeley and Mackenzie who took such great care of Paula. Their immense compassion and grace allowed Paula’s family to grant her final wish of never leaving home in her final days.
Memorial contributions in honor of Paula may be made out to Caring Circle Hospice.
Visitation for Paula will be on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 12:00pm to 1:00pm with a Funeral Service to be held at 1:00pm at Brown Funeral Home, 521 East Main St. Niles, MI 49120. Burial will immediately follow at Coulter Cemetery, 3176 Detroit Rd. Niles, MI 49120.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home.
Services
Visitation
Saturday, February 8, 2025 12:00PM – 1:00PM
Brown Funeral Home, 521 E. Main Street, Niles, MI 49120
Funeral Service
Saturday, February 8, 2025 1:00PM – 2:00PM
Brown Funeral Home, 521 E. Main Street, Niles, MI 49120
Burial
Saturday, February 8, 2025 2:30PM
Coulter’s Chapel Cemetery, 3176 Detroit Road, Niles, MI 49120