Paula Slocum

Although the days of Paula Slocum numbered far too few, the impact she made on the lives of those around her was far more significant than most can even dream of making. She was kind and generous with her time and resources with energy that never seemed to run dry. Paula was completely devoted to both her husband and her children as well as to her extended family. The rock of the family that remained steady as the storms of life loomed overhead, she left no doubt in the minds of her loved ones about how deeply they were loved. Life will never be the same without Paula here, but her memory will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of many. It seems only fitting that Paulas story begins during a decade that was as vibrant as she was. This was a time of great prosperity after the success of WWII when we were introduced to rock n roll music and television shows such as I Love Lucy and Dragnet that forever changed the cultural fabric of our nation. It was on November 23, 1952, that Paula Kay was welcomed into the loving arms of her parents, Ralph and Faye (Ferry) Peacock, in Hart, Michigan. She was the oldest of seven children in her family including her siblings Anita, Maggie, Jeanne, Donald, Sally, and Roger. Paulas father worked as an electrician at Dresser Industries in Muskegon, commuting to and from work each day from their home in Pentwater while her mother was a busy homemaker. When Paula was in third grade, the Peacock family moved to Fruitport Township in Muskegon where she attended Beach School. Paula was left-handed, but her teacher tried to force her into being right-handed by smacking her hand with a ruler. Her mother would have no part of that, and Paula went on to develop the most beautiful handwriting as a lefty. As a young girl, Paula was quiet and calm, and she always knew what was right. Her family always joked that she never lost an argument. They were a large and tight-knit bunch who spent a lot of time together and with their close family friends, the Coon family. The summers found Paula and her family at Mears State Park in Pentwater for six weeks. She was an attractive young lady who had a tendency to turn the heads of a few young men and as a result, the summers in Pentwater were quite a bit of fun for the Peacock girls. For her education Paula attended local schools including Fruitport High School where she did gymnastics and performed in several plays. It was as a sophomore in high school that Paula met the young man with whom she would share a lifetime of love. His name was Stephen Slocum and she was dating a neighbor of Steves when they first met, but eventually Paula and Steve began dating. After graduating from high school Paula went on to Muskegon Business College. During that time she got a job at VanderVeldes Furniture and once she finished school, she worked there full-time. Not to be forgotten during this time was Paulas blossoming romance with Steve. With a desire to build a life together, they married on April 7, 1973. The newlyweds rented a small apartment in Muskegon Heights not far from the furniture store. The couple was thrilled to welcome their son, Joel, in 1976 and their daughter, Susan, in 1979 into their hearts and home. The family of four later settled in Fruitport Township nearby Paulas childhood home. Paula was a wonderful and devoted mother who attended as many of her sons baseball and football games as she could. She and Susan took various classes together as well. As a family they took many fun-filled trips to Traverse City where they rented a cabin with friends and extended family. Family always played the most important role in Paulas life. She was fully dedicated to both her family and Steves family as well. As their parents grew older and needed more help, Paula was there. When her parents both died, Paula took over as the matriarch of the family by organizing the family functions and hosting the holiday gatherings. With her extensive collection of peacocks, Paula had the most beautifully decorated Christmas tree. She was always there for both her family and friends, regularly jumping in to help plan a wedding or a graduation party. She also never hesitated to help out someone who was in financial need. In addition to caring for her family, Paula continued to work at the furniture store. When they sold to Art Van, she eventually became the regional office manager for the corporation, overseeing seven stores around the state. This required Paula to travel to the stores, and she often took Steve with her for a little getaway. Together they enjoyed memorable vacations to Hawaii and on a Caribbean cruise as well. Life became more challenging for Paula and her loved ones when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. She underwent surgeries and endured chemotherapy, but it eventually spread into her lungs and brain, requiring her to leave work. Although life was not easy, Paula never let it get her down and maintained her sense of humor. True to her selfless nature, she continued to worry about others more than herself. Since she always enjoyed doing arts and crafts, she filled her time with even more of these endeavors including making afghans for family and friends. When the chemotherapy made her too weak, Paulas sisters helped her finish. She also took up gardening and making cement leaf impressions with her sisters in her sister Anitas barn. They said it was like making mud pies when they were little girls, and they even sold their creations at the famers market. Two years ago their daughter, Susan, moved back home to help care for her mother. In fact, the whole extended family jumped in to help over the past year. Paula Slocum will be remembered for her strong work ethic, her deep love for the Detroit Red Wings, and her masterfully made afghans, but it was her caring soul that her friends and loved ones will miss most. The memories she made will never fade away. Paula K. Slocum died on Saturday, May 21, 2011. Paulas family includes her husband, Stephen; daughter, Susan (Brad) Webster of Fruitport; son, Joel (Amy) Slocum of Fruitport; grandchildren, Avery & Hayden; sisters, Anita (Mike) Kittel of Holton, Maggie Jackson of FL, Jeanne (Steven) Warmuskerken of Walkerville, Sally (Dan) Burns of Marne; brothers, Donald Peacock of FL, Roger (Jody) Peacock; father-in-law, Bob Slocum of Fruitport; brothers & sisters-in-law, Bob (Karen) Slocum of Whitehall, Deb (Don) Verwey of Grand Haven, Paul Slocum of Fruitport; many nieces & nephews; best friend, Carolyn (Ed) Kotecki of Fruitport; her dog, Diego. Paula was preceded in death by her parents. Services will be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2011, 11:00 a.m. at the Clock Chapel - Fruitport with Chaplain Jan Johnson officiating. Visit with Paulas family and friends on Tuesday, 6-8 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Fruitport. MEMORIAL: Mercy Health Partners Johnson Cancer Center. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.