Paula Jean Mulcahy (née Johnson) , a gentle soul with a heart full of love, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2024, at the grand age of 89. Born on May 21, 1935, in East Moline, Illinois, to her proud parents Emanuel (Ed) Johnson and Pauline Johnson (née Schnack), Paula spent her life rooted in love for her family, her faith, and her friends.

Growing up in East Moline, Paula attended United Township High School, where she made friendships that stood the test of time. On December 26, 1953, she married her sweetheart, Ronald Dean Mulcahy, at St. Anne's Catholic Church. It was a day filled with laughter and joy, surrounded by friends they held dear all their lives.

Life with Ron and Paula was always an adventure, as they moved from place to place with Ron's long career at Abbott Laboratories. From Alabama to Illinois, Wisconsin to Florida, Paula made it a home. They finally settled in Safety Harbor, Florida, before moving to Stuart to be closer to family. No matter where life took them, Paula always made time for others, staying deeply involved in Catholic Charities, soup kitchens and Meals on Wheels.

Paula was a woman of many gifts. Her love for the arts was something she shared freely with the world. She was a talented calligrapher, crafting everything from intricate mandalas to personalized greeting cards, event posters, and programs, all done by hand. Her creations, hung with pride by family and friends, are little pieces of her that will continue to bring joy long after her passing.

Paula also loved to travel the world with Ron and explore new places with friends. In her later years, she found a love for cruising and made sure the entire family got together on a boat at least once a year—memories that will forever be cherished.

Paula leaves behind a legacy of kindness, creativity, and a life well-lived. She is survived by her devoted husband Ron, her beloved son Robert Mulcahy (Jodi Harney), her cherished granddaughters Erin Hoppenworth (Andrew Hoppenworth), Kristin Kimes (Michael Kimes), Emma Bauer, and Hannah Bauer, son-in-law, Mark Bauer and great-grandson Cameron Kimes. She's now reunited with those who passed before her—her parents, Ed and Pauline Johnson, her brother Bob Johnson, and her beloved daughter Kara Bauer. She'll be deeply missed by all her friends, caregivers, Oral and Pauline Smith, and the many lives she touched with her warmth and generosity.

A service to celebrate Paula's life will be held at Van Hoe Funeral Home in East Moline, Illinois, on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at Greenview Memorial Gardens, East Moline. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday, September 20th, at the funeral home. She'll be laid to rest in her hometown, where her heart always belonged. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Ernie Els Foundation for Autism, www.elsforautism.org, in her memory.

Paula's spirit will continue to shine bright in the hearts of all who knew her.

Online condolences may be left for the family at vanhoe.com