In memory of Paula

Paula Lynn Glass was loved by many. She moved gracefully through life with a charm that put folks at ease. Her smile and attentive nature made each shared moment special and invigorating.

Her life began in the hills of Branchland, West Virginia on May 28, 1942 to Lorena Williams. Lorena went on to marry Elmer Barbour and the family grew to include sister April (Robbins) and brother Chuck.

They moved to Cincinnati, Ohio and her father embarked on a career in lithography, but the spirit of Appalachia would be a significant thread throughout Paula’s life, craft and work.

She was most at home in a garden, but her interests grew far beyond the herbs, flowers and trees she planted through her 76 years.

Her appetite for experiences was infectious. The easiest place to understand her interests would be to browse the library she organized neatly by topic. Gardening comprised a formidable set of shelves—but she also had deep appreciation for cooking across many cultures, spirituality, history, philosophy, art, antiques, design, architecture, poetry and a special section for the art of bookbinding and paper making.

You may have met Paula behind the counter of an antique store she started in a church, or another she helped manage at Duck Creek through retirement. And though she loved the history and stories behind things, there was always a piece of her heart collecting items to make something new… Paper.

Her love for handmade paper was immeasurable. It was a joy she was able to share with others as her husband Robert Glass, a machinist, built a press to her specification that made the process easier and more approachable for all.

Paula was often manifesting creative ideas into a welcomed reality—a trait admired by her daughter, Robin Steck and sons Robert, Thomas and Chris.

She made sure the family farm in New Richmond was as unique as her worldview. In the pastures roamed Belted Galloway cows from Scotland while peacocks lorded over the large gardens.

Her life was filled with learning. It started young as she mastered sewing through quilt making, but advanced to the work of a fine seamstress. She made clothes for loved ones and later developed a line of exquisite stuffed animals she sold to many lucky individuals.

She embraced technology in the middle of her career and managed the office of a design startup company led by her youngest in downtown Cincinnati. She became the favorite of every employee.

Her love for Cincinnati grew over the years and became the city she emphatically called home. She carefully chose her final resting place in the neighborhood of Northside. She loved its artistic community and bohemian spirit, most colorfully on display during the annual 4th of July parade.

Watching the parade from her porch became a yearly tradition for friends and family. This was her favorite holiday, evident by her spirited cheering as it went by each year.

Every place she lived, she worked tirelessly to make beautiful—each home decorated thoughtfully with art and light and color. But her soul was in her garden—a collection of herbs and flowers and trees, each with meaning and stories of their own.

Her joy of gardening was inherited by her grandchildren Mark and Matthew Galea. Her creativity lives on in her granddaughter Gabrielle Galea and great grandchild Livia Galea.

She passed peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, near her garden on December 10, 2018.

A celebration of her life will happen at her home in Northside on May 26, 2019. Contact a family member for information.

In lieu of donations, please send a handwritten card to someone you hold dear.

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