Paula H Chamley

Paula Hansen Chamley was born on May 1st, 1935 in Aberdeen, SD to Paul Hansen and Catherine (Martin) Hansen. Paula moved around the Midwest with Father (who she always referred to as Daddy), Mother and sisters Kate, Mary and Margie. The family settled in Rockford, IL. She graduated from Bishop Muldoon H.S. in 1953. She returned to Aberdeen to attend nursing school at St. Luke’s Hospital. There she eventually met her husband Duane Chamley. They married and had FIVE boys. Raising her boys brought the tom-boy out in her and often jumped into a game of baseball. She even rescued several baseballs by sewing the cover back on. She used her sewing abilities further by becoming a professional seamstress at one point in her career. After all the boys entered school she took on an Activities Director position at a nursing home in Lena, IL. The environment inspired her to complete her nursing degree. She graduated from Sauk Valley C.C. in Dixon, IL with a degree as a Registered Nurse. She then worked at several skilled nursing facilities and advanced to Director of Nursing. She retired in 2000 and after a brief stay in Bettendorf, IA she moved to Palm Harbor, FL. There she lived near her son Paul and his family. She developed many friendships in the Village of Lake Tarpon. Florida offered nearly year round opportunity for her gardening passion and she developed uncanny skills in shuffleboard, bowling, bingo and golf cart racing. In 2017 she moved back to Bettendorf near her son Mark and family. She took up residence at Palmer Hills Retirement Facility and even with her direct personality, again made many close friends. She was semi-political and tried to be open-minded but never respected the orange face idiot in our highest office.

She is survived by her five sons; Mark (Connie), Paul (Renee), Tom, Matthew (Margie) and Joe (Amy). Fourteen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters and brothers-in-law.

Inurnment will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at Calvary Cemetery, 8616 West State Street, Winnebago, IL.