Rowena Alice Paul

Rowena Alice Paul, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Wednesday, May 22, 2013. She was born in Ventura on December 18, 1917, to Claude and Neva Bright, joining her brother, Kenneth “Brick” Bright.

The family later moved to Oxnard where she attended Oxnard High School, graduating in 1936. It was there that she met the love of her life, Joseph Woodrow Paul (Joe Paul Jr.). They were married on New Year’s Eve 1938. Their union produced three sons, Ronald S. Paul, Douglas M. Paul, and Jeffrey D. Paul. Ron and Doug were born during the War years, and for a time lived at Camp Pendleton while Joe served in the Marine Corps. Upon his discharge in April of 1946 the family moved to Oxnard with Rowena’s family, where Joe resumed his newspaper career, which was put on hold when he enlisted. In 1947, they settled in Ventura where eventually Jeff was born. Although she was very supportive of Joe’s work at the Oxnard Press-Courier and Ventura Star Free Press, family remained at the center of her life for the rest of her years, with countless holiday gatherings, sporting events, barbeques, and family vacations.

Son, Ron, and his wife Elaine, blessed Joe and Rowena with three grandchildren, Shannon, Corey, and Joe, giving her an entire new generation to love, be proud of, and worry about.

After Joe’s sudden and untimely passing in 1976, she relied on the support and love of her family through a difficult period. She lived with Ron and Elaine, for a time, before moving to the Ojai Villa Estates, where she moved in three doors down from her cousin Don Gage and his wife Jan, and lived contentedly and independently until very recently. There she enjoyed many wonderful friends over the years, including, Mavis Fernandez and Jane Brown. In addition to all of the card games and domino matches at the clubhouse, she kept busy with a string of part time jobs and volunteer work where she enjoyed the interaction with customers and colleagues. She also enjoyed traveling, especially to Hawaii, where she enjoyed many trips with friends and family including several with good friend, Audrey Creswell.

She recently took great pleasure in two memorable events. One was a party celebrating Ron and Elaine s’ 50th wedding anniversary, which she attended with family and many special friends. The other was a trip to Bakersfield this past Thanksgiving to visit the home of Shannon and Eric May where she enjoyed the Thanksgiving meal (complete with her traditional toast) with family, including her three great grand children.

Rowena will be greatly missed by her family and many friends. She is survived by her son Ron, his wife Elaine, grand children Shannon Lynn May, (her husband Eric May), Corey Leigh Paul and Joseph Woodrow Paul, II; son Doug, his wife Kathleen and stepson Nolan; son Jeff, his wife Marie; and great grand children, Michael, Sarah, and Katherine May.

Over the past few months, Rowena received so much professional and kind care from so many. The family would like to express their gratitude and sincere thanks to all that helped her. Especially, long time friend and caregiver, Elena Cobin, who helped her in so many ways; Dr. Geoffrey Loman, who made home visits and accepted calls on vacation; the entire team at Community Memorial Hospital; Dr. Lanyard Dial and the Home Health Professionals from the Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurses Association; and finally, the very professional and caring staff at the Ventura Convalescent Hospital - The Californian.

At Rowena’s request there will be no formal service. For those who wish to honor Rowena’s memory with a charitable donation, the family suggests the Livingston Memorial Visiting Nursing Association, The Community Memorial Health System Foundation, or Help of Ojai.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.