Funeral Expenses for Paula Kessler

On Monday, July 20th, 2020, Paula Kessler suffered a head trauma due to an accident while riding her moped in Fayetteville, Arkansas. She was taken to Washington Regional Hospital and placed on life support.

The outpouring of love and prayers for Paula and our family were such a comfort as we made the decision to remove her from life support and place her into hospice, late Thursday evening.

Just a few short hours later, Paula passed peacefully on July 23rd. 

We know that many of you are looking to do something meaningful for Paula and her family during this time. We ask, rather than send flowers or meals, that you would consider contributing to Paula's memorial and final expenses, as this will relieve some of the financial burden from her family.

Please consider even a small financial gift to the family through this GoFundMe page, which is being managed by Paula's niece, Cherri Rodriguez, and Paula's older sister, Judith (Kessler) Williamson, who will be tasked with taking care of all final expenses.

If you are unable to give at this time, we understand. We welcome your condolences and prayers and want you to know that we value these just as much!

About Paula:
Paula Faye Kessler, was born in 1962. As a young child, Paula suffered a severe brain injury which affected her cognitive abilities and limited her opportunities later in life. Her sister Judith remembers that even though Paula's mental impairments were often a source of frustration for those close to her, she was always very forgiving and loving, offering grace and forgiveness with a pure heart when someone was short with her. 

Judith remembers Paula's early years fondly, sharing that her childlike demeanor often endeared people to her—like the Christmas morning when each of Paula's older siblings were opening their gifts, exclaiming, "This is JUST what I wanted!", —and Paula, taking her cues from them, opened a gift and exclaimed, "That's just what I wanted!!! What is it?"

Paula's niece, Karis (Kessler) Parsons, remembers how Paula showed up with enthusiasm for every family event—from school plays to birthday parties.

Paula lived with her mother, Edna Kessler, in Levittown Pennsylvania for all of her life, until Edna passed away in 2006. 

Shortly thereafter, Paula went to live with her sister Judith in Arkansas. 
Paula always expressed how much she missed her mom, and because of her intellectual limitations, she struggled to live independently without her, even with constant help and guidance from Judith and their other siblings from afar. 

Because of her need for support, Paula sought out and built relationships with many people who helped to provide care for her along the way—from the kind and compassionate volunteers at Second Mile Ministries in Fayetteville, to the many churches and organizations that became a part of Paula's personal community.

Many in Northwest Arkansas knew Paula for her love of scooters and cats. She loved being with family and had recently begun a successful journey to better health. She is loved and will be missed greatly.

We take comfort in knowing that she's been reunited with her parents in Heaven—fully restored and unhindered by the limitations of her earthly mind and body.

Praise God!

Thank you in advance for your kindness, compassion, and love for Paula and the Kessler family. May God richly bless you in it!