Paula Perona

Paula Rae (Phillips) Perona, 77, of North Muskegon, MI passed away on September 5, 2025 after a short illness. She's the oldest of four daughters born to Robert and Pauline Phillips on April 20, 1948 in Muskegon, MI.

She graduated from North Muskegon High School in 1966 and received her Bachelor of Education degree in 1972 from Michigan State University and went on to achieve a Master of Education degree also from MSU- a lifetime Spartan fan!

She worked as an elementary school teacher for over 30 years in Coloma, MI, Orland Park, IL and lastly in Muskegon Heights, MI before retiring. She always went above and beyond providing educational resources, creating award winning bulletin boards (this creativity carried over to her retirement years as she enjoyed all kinds of crafts) and spending evening hours preparing for the next school day to provide the best education she could for her students.

She was a passionate caregiver to multiple people and always served with her beautiful smile. Others always came first; her comforts came last. She was known to be stubborn and independent, yet agreeable, happy and content. She was personable, curious and inquisitive - always asking lots of questions! Paula was an avid reader, enjoyed needlepoint, was handy around the house, and loved baking dozens of cookies weekly to hand out to residents at Beacon, where her son, Scott, resides. Of all Paula's attributes, most remarkable was her unending dedication to Scott. There are no words to describe her love and extreme devotion to his well- being and care.

While she loved her home (made it a cozy haven both inside and out), she always looked forward to vacationing with family on Walloon Lake and in Naples Florida. Her nieces and nephews will miss her dancing and fun personality!

Paula was not afraid to leave this earth, as she had a strong faith in Jesus, and planned to be reunited with her parents and sidekick sister, Nicki. They will be sure to laugh once again at silly stuff- always finding humor in everyday situations!

Scott, her son, at her bedside, said it best. "She's going to be all right".

Paula is pre-deceased by her parents, Robert and Pauline Phillips and sister Nicole Phillips- Smith.

She is survived by her son, Scott Perona, sisters Jorja Creighton (Bob) and Lisa Garner (Hilton), nephews Robert Garner (Zach), William Garner (Jenna), Paul Creighton, niece Elizabeth Coyle (Stephen) and 6 grand nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind many very dear friends. All will miss her immensely.

A private event will be held at a later date to celebrate Paula's life.

Donations may be made in her honor to Scott's home.
Beacon Home at Anchor Point
28720 63rd St.
Bangor, MI 49013