Paula J. Stowe

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Paula J. Stowe, who left this world on December 10, 2025, at the age of 81. Born on April 10, 1944, Paula led a life rich with love, family, and passion. Her warmth touched the lives of many, and her absence will be profoundly felt.

Paula had an adventurous spirit; she devoted many joyful moments traveling to the Smokey Mountains and Kentucky, creating cherished memories that her family will carry forever. Her love for cooking radiated through her home, where she took pride in every meal prepared, always infusing her dishes with the essence of being a devoted mother. She found great joy in her hobbies, such as ceramics and gardening, where she exhibited her “green thumb” working tirelessly at the greenhouse. She enjoyed the trips to the casinos and family poker games, that happened every weekend. Her enthusiasm for life was also reflected in her fondness for attending Pow-wows and exploring garage sales, always on the lookout for unique treasures while surrounded by laughter and camaraderie.

As a mother, Paula devoted her life to her children, Deonna, Kellie, Melissa, and Sean. They were the light of her life, and her legacy shines brightly through them. She was also blessed with a large family that extended to her grandchildren—Jeffrey (Kayla), Amanda (Chad), Joey (Nicole), Kyle, Joshua, Rose, Nick, Tristin, Riley, and Payton—each of whom held a special place in her heart. Her incredible journey continued with her great-grandchildren, Giovanni, Amari, Caleb, Cameron, Ciara, Nevaeh, Chloe, Aurora, Emily, and Elliott, who brought endless joy to her later years.

Paula leaves behind many nieces and nephews, as well as her cousin, Joyce Barber, who will remember her with fondness and love.

She now joins her beloved parents, Velma and Paul Gilmore, her sisters, Delores and Shirley, and her brother, Tommy, in eternal peace.

Paula's memory will live on through the countless stories shared by those she loved and those who were fortunate to be loved by her. A visitation will take place on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 5:00 PM at The Allen Park Chapel - Martenson Family of Funeral Homes in Allen Park, MI. Paula will then be laid to rest on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Cadillac Memorial Gardens West Cemetery in Westland, MI, at 11:00 AM.

In the quiet moments, when gentle reminiscences of her favorite films—Brian's Song, Billy Jack, Splendor in the Grass, The Warriors and Imitation of Life—float through our minds, we will carry her spirit with us, forever engraved in our hearts. Paula J. Stowe lived fully, loved deeply, and her legacy will continue to inspire love across generations.