Paula Rose Curran

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March 29, 2021

Remembering Paula Rose🌹 Curran with love and prayers always. 💞

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August 2, 2020 · via iPhone

I met Paula through James and Mary’s Bible study and prayer group. I believe I met Paula in the 90s; and ever since I have known her to be a faithful, diligent, servant of the most high God. It’s very clear to me that Paula was extremely consistent... more

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June 8, 2020 · via mobile

I know Paula is praying for us now and I'm very grateful. I miss you my sweet sister and can't wait for our reunion in heaven!

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June 8, 2020 · via mobile

Paula and I have had many adventures together and I've always been so blessed being with her. Our shared love for Jesus and knowing she is with her Beloved Husband now, comforts my heart! Paula was the most selfless person, always looking for a way to... more

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May 13, 2020 · via iPad

I first met Paula when her brother John and my sister Mary got married. But we really got to know each other and become friends when I moved to Loveland in the late 90's. I have so many fond memories of her cute little house, driving Looking at... more

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May 3, 2020 · via mobile

Christmas Day with Paula (2019) A day of rest and joy!

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April 29, 2020

Paula was my friend. She was the first person I met as well as my mentor with LM Orion. One thing that really sticks out is that she loved the Lord. Even while she was going through cancer she would pray for me! She was a warrior when it came to taking... more

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April 27, 2020

Paula was my across-the-street neighbor. Our work schedules were opposite so I never got to know her well, but I knew she was and kind and gentle soul from the few times we did interact. I send heartfelt condolences to her family and friends and may... more

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April 21, 2020

Paula and the life she lived on earth fits the description of a worthy woman in Proverbs 31:10-31... Though not married on her earthly journey, nor did she have children...Jesus was and is her Husband (and she His Bride) and her "children" were... more

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April 17, 2020

A soldier of love, Paula embodied the will and strength of the best of us. Fearlessly adaptive, she endeavored to support anyone she approached with the utmost satisfaction and guidance. While her 18-month battle with cancer left her grouchy at times,... more

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April 16, 2020 · via iPhone

I feel so blessed to have had the honor of cutting Paula’s hair for the past several years. She had this very special gift of making me smile and brighten my day no matter what was happening. She truly was the kindest soul I have ever had the honor of... more

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April 16, 2020

My sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Paula, which includes just about everyone she ever met.

I met Paula at work back in the early 80s, shortly after she hired on and immediately fell in love with her. Our first date was to the Denver Zoo and... more

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April 15, 2020

Whenever I was around Paula I was happy. She had such a joy to the way she lived and the way she loved people. I always remember her being so optimistic about everything and she was genuinely the nicest person I have ever met. I have been so fortunate... more

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April 14, 2020

We never actually met in person, but I have known Paula for about 4-5 years now. She was the person I was directly in contact with at LM to help me coordinate and schedule reviews on the program we were working together. She was always a tough... more

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April 13, 2020

Paula and I met 50 years ago, at the school bus stop. She was in sixth grade and I was in fourth. My family had just moved to Longmont and bought the house next door to the Curran’s. We became best friends quickly. Over the years, however long it... morePaula and I met 50 years ago, at the school bus stop. She was in sixth grade and I was in fourth. My family had just moved to Longmont and bought the house next door to the Curran’s. We became best friends quickly. Over the years, however long it might be between visits, it was always like we’d never parted.
Paula was always very talented. She was exceptional at working with her hands. In our younger days we did lots of crafts. We made sugar eggs one Easter and put little scenes inside. We made lots of Styrofoam Christmas ornaments with beads, sequins, and tiny pins. We painted many ceramic projects and later in life wondered why our mothers would continue to fund the next project. Paula sewed, and I remember how proud she was of her down vest that she made from a Frostline Kit. It was reversible – forest green on one side and neon orange on the other.
In high school she began learning to be a silversmith. Although most found the class fun, Paula excelled at it and was determined to become professional. She acquired most everything she needed in an estate sale and set up shop. It was very special to be the recipient of one of her pieces.
My family spent a lot of time in the mountains and Paula joined us quite often. We went hiking, camping, snowshoeing, wading, rafting, and so on. I remember we watched a great horned owl glide through the cottonwoods near Saratoga, WY one fall. It didn’t make a sound and we were both in awe of God’s majesty.
When Paula learned to drive, our favorite thing was to drive her parent’s T-bird around. Oh, I didn’t drive, but it was fun being a passenger. We thought it was the coolest car. It was the mid ‘70’s, but this yellow T-bird may have been a ‘63 or ’64? It was built like a tank, but an extremely classy tank. I remember Paula getting in to the driver’s seat and sliding the steering column over in front of her, and we’d be off.
As the two of us matured we continued to see each other, but not nearly as often. We still went for hikes or walks, but more likely went for lunch or dinner and caught up on what each other was doing. We took a few trips over the years – California and Lake Powell in the 70’s, then MT in the 90’s.
We took lots of day trips. The last one we took, was just last summer when we drove to Nederland to see the Carousel. I’d seen it before and thought she would love it. It was so whimsical and had so many moving parts and stories tied to it. She did love it, and we spent hours looking around and talking. We were so blessed to have the artist show up and spend time with us. He told us stories and showed us different pieces of machinery and art. It was his vision and artistry that made this carousel from the ground up. It was such a treat to watch Paula talk to this man about how everything worked and how all the parts and gears engaged, and about the difficulty in replacing some of the machinery as it was one of a kind. Paula’s face just lit up to see the mechanics of the whole thing.
Paula excelled at writing, editing, organizing, and care giving. She excelled at figuring out the fastest, most logical way to do something, anything. Her work ethic was beyond any I’ve ever known. She loved deep, and was passionately loyal to her faith, family, and friends. She loved the Lord and over the years, I watched her grow in His love. She became ever more compassionate the longer I knew her. She would almost shock me sometimes, when I had barely an ounce of compassion for the same situation or person.
I can imagine, if we had our earthly face when we arrive in our new home, that Paula’s face lit up even more than it did that day at the carousel, as she looked at the face of Jesus. That her green eyes twinkled even more than they did that day. I know that I know, she is in a far better place - free of all the burdens here; and I look forward to seeing her.
I love you dear friend, and I miss you. less

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April 12, 2020

Paula's faith in Jesus' love and care for her kept her smiling and focusing on others through to the very end. She never complained, even finding a bright spot to not being able to wear shoes far a while because of the chemo. Our Orion program will be a... more

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April 12, 2020

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April 12, 2020

Today, Resurrection Sunday, April 12th, 2020, seems the perfect day to share the wonder of Paula Rose Curran’s new life with her beloved Savior and Good Shepherd, Jesus! I was able to be with her during her last days on this earth before she passed... moreToday, Resurrection Sunday, April 12th, 2020, seems the perfect day to share the wonder of Paula Rose Curran’s new life with her beloved Savior and Good Shepherd, Jesus! I was able to be with her during her last days on this earth before she passed away on the early morning of March 29th, 2020. What a privilege!

I am a witness that her last days and hours were filled with His Presence in that quiet hospice room. It even snowed during her time there, and then melted into white rain, as if cleansing the earth - and Paula - before her departure. How glorious and difficult it was to say good-bye, yet how intent she was upon crossing that finish line! At one point, months ago as the battle against cancer continued to wage, she had confided in me, “I’m not afraid of death, but I am afraid of dying.” Then, she had said to me in the hospital room a few days earlier as her body was quietly beginning to shut down, “Quiet, Mary, I’m thinking.” Then she looked at me with a wry smile, “I don’t know what I’m thinking, but I’m thinking!” I knew quiet was becoming more important – necessary – for her.

On our first night in hospice, as the lights went out and I was laying in my cot, Paula spoke to me so clearly from her bed, “Mary, I’m already there. Just let me go.” She said it twice, to make sure I heard her. I quickly assured her we were there to do just that! Throughout those last days, there was no apparent fear, just fierce determination to finish her race well, even as her breathing became more labored. Thanks to compassionate, watchful and caring staff, she was in no pain, but able to communicate as long as possible, even surprising us when during a conversation with her nurse on the second day about further treatments, she suddenly spoke up, “I think I should be a part of this discussion.” We thought she was sleeping! And she was listening!

She heard messages of love from family and friends long after she was able to respond with words or a smile. She heard scripture, a worship song, a children’s lullaby, soothing music, but then towards the end, sitting quietly by her side was still the greatest gift I could give to her. And at the end, I know she heard me say, “Paula, I’m here and I’m not going anywhere” as she so very quietly exhaled her last breath…it was like a whisper. She had crossed the finish line, with such amazing and quiet peace, an answer to the prayer of her heart. And I knew that Paula was now dancing with her beloved Jesus, young and free, healed and full of joy! I was there! I am a witness!

How many lives she blessed, mine more than any other it seems to me! But then, don’t we all feel that way? How special she made each one feel! As another friend commented, she was everyone’s biggest fan! But the truth is, she is STILL cheering us on, having joined the great cloud of witnesses above, watching, hoping, praying – maybe even yelling when necessary! 😊 (See Hebrews 12:1) That is something I am counting on! And I KNOW it’s true! Why? Because Jesus is the Good Shepherd Who gave His life for her – for us – and He knows His sheep, and they know Him and will follow Him. And Paula Rose Curran followed her Good Shepherd, with all her heart, right into Heaven! Joyful, Happy, Resurrection Day beloved ones of Paula! (John 10: 1-5; 11-18; 27-30) less

Rend Collective - Resurrection Day (Lyric Video)

Rend Collective - Resurrection Day (Lyric Video) Our new album, GOOD NEWS, is out everywhere you can listen to music. Go give it a listen and share with your...

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April 8, 2020 · via iPhone

I met Paula on April 1, 1996. I just want to say that Paula was a great person!! We always enjoyed spending time with her! Whether she drove up to Loveland or we drove to Littleton, it was always wonderful to be with her! My husband Jon and her have... more

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April 7, 2020 · via iPhone

I met Paula when she started working on the Orion Program. Her enthusiasm for the Program was contagious. You kind of get jaded with the day to day tasks and don’t think of the BIG picture in what you do. Paula always said, “It IS Rocket Science!”... more

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April 6, 2020

It wasn't until I read Jon Thiede's post that I realized I've known Paula for over 30 years! She and I worked together at Dover, and then I worked with her again at Robinson Brick where we become good friends.

She was unlike anyone I've known. Always... more

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April 6, 2020

Our dear loving Paula-- am so grateful for having known Paula- her happy heart and her joyful spirit !!
Our great chats over coffee about journeys in this life; remembering the year she made hundreds of framed Christmas ornaments for Kingdom... more

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April 6, 2020 · via iPhone

I wanted to post for myself, that I met Paula through my husband Scott. Her smile could light up your heart, and her warmth and sincerity made her an easy person to be around. She had an overstuffed chair that she wanted to donate to my dance school, so... more

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April 6, 2020 · via iPhone

My last post was from my husband Scott, who considered Paula an outstanding person and good friend. His post was incomplete and should have ended “My heart goes out to all of them knowing what a loss this is and will always be. We are all richer for... more

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April 6, 2020 · via iPhone

I first met Paula at the Brickyard where we worked together for several years. She was a superstar respected by all for her will do work ethic but got squeezed out during a corporate buyout and takeover eliminating her position.

She would join me on... more

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added 3 photo(s) to the memorial :

April 5, 2020

added 4 photo(s) to the memorial :

April 5, 2020

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April 5, 2020

Paula and I were cube neighbors for quite awhile and we became friends outside of work, to the point that she became Auntie Paula, like a sister to me and an Aunt to my son, Alexander. Paula walked with me through some difficult times - a boyfriend... more

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April 5, 2020

From a May 2019 post:

I am so stinkin' honored to be Paula's friend and to walk with her on her journey. Two laps around the lake today, didn't have to stop once to rest. Take a tip from her - LIVE life, DO the things that bring you JOY, push past fear... more

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April 4, 2020 · via mobile

I had the honor and privilege of working with Paula during her cancer treatment. As a physical therapist, I encourage and support my patients through their rehabilitation. I found myself searching for her name on my schedule as she was a constant source... more

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April 3, 2020

I've been blessed to have worked with Paula in the electronics manufacturing services industry at both Dovatron (and DEM West) and Celestica. Paula was one of the kindest most genuine people I ever knew. Even in the whacky times, she would always find... more

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April 3, 2020 · via iPhone

Paula has been a part of my family for longer then I can remember, so long that she became my honorary aunt, and I referred to her as my aunt to everyone. From the day she met me she welcomed me into her heart and her life. She was always there for me... more

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April 2, 2020

Paula and Bill and I shared many early morning Engineering Review Boards with our European partners that started at 7:00 am and went on for hours. She would often bring us egg McMuffins from McDonald's to power us through these sessions.

One of my... more

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April 2, 2020

I will truly miss Paula's enthusiasm, patience, and kindness. I wish I had spent more time getting to know the wonderful person that she is, but even so I am a better person for having worked with her.

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April 2, 2020

Paula and I spent many long hours together in meetings on the Orion spacecraft. She orchestrated meetings across the planet (US, Germany, Italy, France, and more) with hundreds of people. She made sure we complied with trade laws, fought IT bugs, rolled... more

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April 2, 2020

Paula and I met in the fall of 1988 while working at this little garage shop in Longmont called Cencorp Manufacturing. We hit it off right away and soon became honorary siblings. We worked side by side, took a lot of "walks around the... more

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April 1, 2020

I worked with Paula at Lockheed Martin. She was one of the few people I have met in my career, that despite her circumstances, always had a smile on her face to go along with her positive attitude. I will miss passing her in the hallways and seeing... more

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April 1, 2020

I have relied on Paula for many years to manage everything related to our Orion Engineering Review Boards. She always ... always ... had warm and thoughtful words to greet me every day, along with a mint, or a werther, or a jolly rancher to help me keep... more

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April 1, 2020

I had the pleasure of working with Paula on the Orion program a few years ago, and one could not ask for a better teammate than Paula. She had a servant's heart, was so dedicated to the team, and always had a smile and a laugh to share. And she took the... more

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April 1, 2020 · via iPhone

Paula has always been such a positive and outgoing co-worker, I will greatly miss seeing her in the halls at LM, peace to her family.

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April 1, 2020

Dear God, Thank you for bringing this beautiful light into our lives. Her laughter...her gentle guidance...her wholehearted love. Paula - I will carry you in my heart, always. Love, Danny

"So set, before its echoes fade,
The fleet foot on the sill... more

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April 1, 2020

I have laughed and cried while reading everyone's memories of sweet Paula, some reminding me of things I've forgotten (the flamingos!). Whenever she and I would meet, I would hear her proclaim "HI EL!, the words embedded in laughter and somehow... more

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April 1, 2020

I had the privilege to work with Paula for the last couple years. Her laugh and smile were so contagious, she was one of those rare people who just makes everything better. I feel lucky to have known her and work beside her. She will be greatly missed.

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April 1, 2020

Great co-worker, always smiling and kind. Will miss her.

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April 1, 2020

I only met Paula at work when I started a little over 2 years ago. Paula was one of the first to welcome me and make feel like a part of the team. She was by far the happiest person I have ever met. Even after her cancer diagnosis, she had a more... more

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April 1, 2020

I met Paula around 33 years ago when I started dating her brother John. And of course John and I got married soon after. From the first, I liked her a lot. Then I grew to love her as one of my own sisters over the years. She was fun and had a great... more

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April 1, 2020

It is a special kind of wonder to grow up with Paula Curran as your aunt. Every trip to the mailbox is loaded with possibility: if there's a card from Paula in there, it's guaranteed to have 1) a little spending cash, 2) a card that rivals any ever made... more

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April 1, 2020 · via iPhone

Aunt Paula’s bubbling laugh is the first thing I will always think of when I remember her or tell stories about her to my girls. That was the first thing I noticed about her when Patrick and I got married - how engaging she was to talk to. Her entire... more

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March 31, 2020

This picture totally embodies my memories of her. Always with the kids, laughing so hard, and loving anyone and everyone as much as humanly possible. I remember visits to Casa Bonita, Applebees, countless letters back and forth and so much love. My... more

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March 31, 2020

Life unfolds like a flower – from a tiny bud to full bloom, then fading into memory. If you see the flower at one point in its life, you can only anticipate what the rest of its life must have been or will be like in the future. Many of you knew... moreLife unfolds like a flower – from a tiny bud to full bloom, then fading into memory. If you see the flower at one point in its life, you can only anticipate what the rest of its life must have been or will be like in the future. Many of you knew Paula near the end of her life, but there were sixty years of joy and sorrow, growing and blooming, flourishing and radiant beauty long before this difficult ending.

She was a beloved daughter and sister, youngest of five children. Planted in a loving home, nurtured by devoted parents, raised in the faith, there were many transplantings around northern Colorado, but she always thrived in a garden well-watered in love and acceptance. For many years, she shared a room with her sister, Mary, and they formed a tight, loving bond that would last a lifetime, Mary acting out bedtime stories once the lights were out that Paula especially loved. Paula also loved making miniatures, collecting buttons and scraps of fabric that could become pillows or doll clothing or a well-appointed home, including a tiny record player and dresser set.

When her sister Mary married an Army officer and left for Germany, she would have two wonderful trips abroad in Europe, the first one enjoying her youth traveling about the Old World with sister and brother-in-law, and the second journey entering a brave new world of being an aunt to her first born nephew. He was brand new, but so were his parents, and so was she as an aunt, but everything has a way of working out. Paula was a long-distance runner in those days and we had some very special moments jogging through the German forests in the fog and rain.

The deep and abiding bond as a loving aunt would also last a lifetime, blossoming over the years into being a great aunt to three new blooms from this first planting and two more beautiful blossoms from her second nephew. These five blossoms brought such joy to her. Life, while precious, does not always proceed as hoped or planned. There was no marriage for her and no children of her own, but this vacancy blossomed into a marvelous opportunity to adopt her nieces and nephew as her own. She seized this opportunity with enthusiasm, love and amazing creativity.

Paula was always a hard charger, throwing herself wholeheartedly into whatever project presented itself. First it was silversmithing, and then it became computer hardware manufacturing. When the subject became brick, she has a picture of Coors field up on her pantry wall made with genuine Robinson Brick. Once the topic became Orion and outer space, she decorated her dining room wall with mementos of that great adventure. She loved old movies and British docudramas, and dogs, and Blizzards at DQ. She was always the champion of the underdog, and generous with everything she possessed. Disneyworld was a huge event with good friends and becoming an honorary wolf pack member at the Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City was a treasured memory.

But that was already December of last year and the weather was turning much colder for this fragile flower. A good gardener knows that every planting has its season. If this was your only glimpse of Paula’s life, you might think it harsh and ill-timed, so young and so vital. But even this moment in her life is only a season. Paula knew the truth of her gardening. She had heard the voice of her Beloved, calling to her from beyond the grave.

"My beloved responded and said to me, 'Arise [from your slumber], my darling, my beautiful one, and come along [with Me to our new home together]. For behold, the winter [of harsh, yet only temporary life] is past, the rain [of dreary, repetitive days] is over and gone. The flowers [of great new expectations] have already appeared in the land [of our new home]; the time has arrived for [rebirth and] pruning the vines [of joy and providence], and the voice of the turtledove [always a joyous harbinger of Springtime and love] has been heard in our land. The fig tree [as a symbol of abundant provision] has ripened its figs, and the vines in blossom have given forth their fragrance. Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come along!'" (Song of Solomon 2:10-13) NASB [Exposition added].

Auf wiedersehen, Paula! Until we meet again! less