Obituary of Paula Janet West

Paula J. West (nee Bains), age 77 years of Pennsauken, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2024.

Paula J. West was born December 21, 1946 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Paul Bains and Edith Lemmon Bains. She was the only child of this union.

Having a family of strong religious conviction, Paula accepted the Lord as her savior at an early age at Vine Memorial Baptist Church and was baptized by Rev. Leonard G. Carr in 1956. Vine was Paula’s second home where she established lifelong friendships while serving as a missionary and usher, and even played the bride in their annual Tom Thumb Wedding

Educated in the public school system of Philadelphia, her approach to life was always to seize the day and make it what she wanted it to be. She was known for her big smile, big heart and big pretty legs.  And no surprise, she had a reputation for being headstrong as she insisted on forging her own path in life.

With an adventurous and free spirit, Paula explored several states before returning to her roots in the Philadelphia area.

Paula thoroughly embraced motherhood and enjoyed extending that part of herself to her children’s friends and any other young person needing a mother figure. She amazingly balanced being both a disciplinarian and best friend.

In her professional life, work was simply a means to an end; not who she was. She worked various jobs, most in administrative roles in a variety of industries including mortgage lending and medical practices before delving into her final role as an independent tax preparer.

What made her happiest in life was bringing people together, but her greatest joy was the family she built; some through blood and others by choice. Anyone having the privilege of being in her company felt enfolded in her kindness and love, which is how she wanted to be remembered.

Paula is leaving us to join her REWIE, (her late husband) on a dance floor where the music will never end.

The loved ones she’s left behind have an indelible mark and will carry her memory in their hearts for generations.

Paula will be missed by her children Danielle Scott (Patrick), Holli McClees (Corry), David McGuire; grandsons Kristopher Williams, Russell Williams, Corry McClees II and Patrick Scott, Jr; and great grandsons Avery Williams, Bryce Williams.

Relatives and friends are invited to the Visitation & Funeral on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 from 9-11 AM at the Falco, Caruso & Leonard Pennsauken Funeral Home, 6600 N. Browning Road, where a Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM. Final disposition will take place privately.