Paula E. Phinney Obituary, Death – Paula Phinney, age 51, from Fraser’s Mountain, British Columbia, passed away in a calm and peaceful manner on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at the Aberdeen hospital, with her loved ones by her side. Heather (Proudfoot) and Clarence Phinney welcomed their daughter Paula into the world on February 4, 1971, in New Glasgow. She is survived by her one and only child, Jaden Lim, who was the love of her life. She is also survived by her beloved niece, Natalie, as well as by her mother, her sister Janice, and Jeff Wadden, who is married to Janice’s husband.
In addition to her, she is survived by her partner Bobby Paquette and the father of her son, Kenny Lim, both of whom will mourn her passing. Her lifelong friends, her precious dog Adi, and her colleagues will all miss her “larger than life” presence in their lives. Paula is survived by her extended family, including her cousins David, Jeff, and Leslie Fox, as well as other relatives.
Her father, Fin, who she shared a special talent and a passion for music with, passed away before she did. She was a gifted musician. She was also preceded in death by her much-loved dog DaCoda, with whom she shared a strong bond and who was a big part of the reason why she looked forward to their daily walks together.
Paula was a brilliant student and an outstanding performer from a very young age, and she went on to graduate from New Glasgow High School. She participated in activities at school and church, as well as the New Glasgow Music Festival, where she sang and performed. During her time in school, she excelled in many sports, but her most notable accomplishment came on the basketball court.
Paula is a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Education degree. She began her teaching career in the Canadian North, where she gained invaluable experience both in the classroom and in life. After moving back to Nova Scotia, she began working as a teacher for the CCRCE, where she remained for over 25 years. For the majority of those years, she was employed as a reading recovery specialist at Frank H. MacDonald Elementary School.
She made sure to be well-prepared for each new lesson, and her overarching goal was to leave a lasting impression on each and every student she encountered along the way. Their accomplishment was their top priority for her. She has been a member of the St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in New Glasgow her entire life. From a young age, she participated in the choir and Sunday School at the church, and she instilled these same values in her son.
She took great pleasure in hosting Jaden and his friends, and she did her best to make their time at her house as enjoyable as possible by providing access to the swimming pool, the guest bedroom, and a variety of entertaining activities. And an abundance of delicious food. Paula was considered by every child she knew to be the most exciting and cool mother they had ever met. Her pride stemmed from her love for Jaden and the light that she found in herself as a result of being with him. She adored him with all of her heart, soul, and strength.
If you knew Paula, you would know that the people in her life, particularly her family and friends, were extremely important to her. Her parents benefited greatly from the tender care and unwavering support that she provided. Paula looked forward to her many vacations to Cheticamp and Quarterdeck every summer because they were filled with nonstop fun and laughter. She took after her mother and was extremely organized in everything she did, including cleaning, decorating, baking, and hosting parties. Her mother was very proud of her.
Everyone who loved her had a favorite recipe of hers, whether it be chicken nachos or chocolate chip cookies. (Always served with Pepsi so that you can get the full experience!) Janice, who was also her sister, was her closest confidante and best friend. They were able to communicate non-verbally by understanding each other and predicting each other’s thoughts and emotions. Together, they were an unbeatable force that could not be stopped. They made a name for themselves by purchasing every color of their favorite sheets from the LL Bean catalog whenever it was available.
Their mother and father, as well as each other, could see that their children shared a strong bond through the quiet support and care that they gave to one another. Their family get-togethers and Christmas celebrations were also memorable occasions. She and Kenny built a life together that included the raising of their son, the creation of an oasis where Paula, friends, and family enjoyed countless hours of fun, and seasonal vacations to places with warmer climates.
She treasured the years they spent together, and she found peace in the knowledge that Kenny loves Jaden with the same ferocity that she does. In her honor, her loved ones will encircle them with their affection and support. During her final years, Bobby, your care, love, and support were noticed and appreciated by her family and friends. It was a stroke of good luck that she had you by her side. To those who knew and worked with Paula, she was a source of joy in any setting, be it a conversation, an event, or an activity.
Her coworkers eagerly anticipated her annual summer party because she was such a wonderful hostess. She was always quick to help out a friend in need, and she went out of her way to find and make unique presents that will be treasured for the rest of their lives. Even as she was getting ready to leave this world, she shared her love and her sense of humor with those around her. In the end, she was aware that she was loved, and she loved everyone back in equal measure.
When you think of her, you should remember her infectious laugh, her never-ending drive, her generous spirit, and the enormous heart she shared with everyone who had the good fortune to know her. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at the VON, the Emergency Department at Aberdeen Hospital, and the Intensive Care Unit at the hospital for the care and comfort they provided to Paula.
Many thanks go out in particular to Dr. Roy, Dr. Fahim, and Dr. Van Darme, as well as nurse Donna in the emergency room and nurse Christina in the intensive care unit. In addition, we would like to express our appreciation to her lifelong family physician, Dr. Elliott, who was present on the day she was born as well as the day she passed away, as well as for the many years of care she provided in between.
Flowers from the family are only available on request. Please take into consideration making a donation in Paula’s name to either 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 in New Glasgow, or a charity of your choosing.
On Tuesday, December 6, the family will be present at the H.W. Angus Funeral Home, located at 256 King Street, New Glasgow, to greet friends from noon until two in the afternoon. After that, there will be a private funeral for the family, followed by burial in the Abercrombie Cemetery.