Paula Winship

Paula was born in Esselbach, Germany on Dec. 29, 1924 to Richard and Anna Eyrich. She was a cherished mother, grandmother, tante, sister and friend and she will be greatly missed.

After surviving World War II and making the best of life in Germany for several years, the journey by ship to the US cured Paula of any desire to ride on boats or live near water. While raising her family in Gowanda, she dedicated her life to doing her best at every endeavor and was very generous with her time and multiple talents.

She was an employee of NYS for over 20 years in food service at the former JN Adam Hospital and Gowanda Psych Center where she formed some of her closest and longest friendships with her coworkers. She had a passion for creating and sharing her creations, whether it was buttercream cakes or crafts donated for her church fundraisers or beautiful plates of Christmas cookies gifted to many friends during the holidays. Even when she was employed full time, she spent many weekends catering weddings and bowling banquets and kept meticulous records.

Not one to waste time relaxing, she also loved to garden, crochet, knit, read, write, shop at thrift stores and garage sales (for things needing repair), take senior bus trips and enjoyed going to the casino. She had a huge heart when it came to the dogs and cats that crossed her path over the years. If you knew her well, you know she had a great sense of humor, loved to laugh and could improvise her way through any obstacle! She was a member of St. Joseph’s Church and the auxiliary organizations of VFW Post 5007 and the American Legion Post 409.

Paula is survived by her children, William Winship (Sondra) of Gowanda, Lisa Marrano of Fredonia. Linda Winship of Rock Hill, SC ; and step-daughter, JoAnn Kruger of Tucson,AZ; her grandchildren, Sonja Winship, Cory Woods and Scott Winship and their families; many step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews in the US and Germany. During her last few years, she had many cherished visits with family and treasured friends, Wanda and Ace, Jenny, Deb, Jody, Nancy, Karen, among others and had made many valued friendships with staff, former staff, residents, their families and Elvis at CNRC.

Besides her husband Maynard, she was preceded in death by her sister, Elizabeth Byrd of Perrysburg; two brothers, Otto and Richard Eyrich; her parents; and several beloved family members in Germany; and her step-children, Richard Winship, Robert Winship and Dorothy Rundell.

Memorials, if desired , may be made to a local charity of one’s choice.

A private graveside service will be held at Jolls cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are made by SCHINDLER FUNERAL HOME, 44 Center St., Gowanda.