We celebrate the life of Paula Schumacher, our wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend who left this world on July 18, 2023. Born in Hays, Kansas, she was the youngest child of Pauline Dreiling and Henry Schumacher. She lost her father when she was ten and her brother Leland Schumacher, whom she adored, assumed that role. Paula was preceded in death by her parents and 12 siblings.
Left to share happy memories of her life are Carl Palermo, her husband of 42 years, her son Mitch Simons (Niki), stepchildren Nino Palermo (Kelly Rhine), Elizabeth Creamer(John) and Carl Palermo (Carrie).
Paula was known as “Grammy” to her grandchildren Brooke George, Vivienne Myrick, Drew Simons, Jamie Carr, Shane Simons, Lexi Sparks, David Palermo, Christina Tortorilla, Catie Palermo and Sohail Jouya. Nothing brought a bigger smile to her face than her beloved grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Paula graduated from Fort Hays State University and received her MA degree in Journalism from Kansas State University. Diminutive in stature, but large in talent, always creative and an entrepreneur, her career in Kansas City began as Arts and Entertainment editor of the Sun Newspaper in Johnson County. She then started the journalism program at Park University using the college’s newspaper, The Platte County Gazette, as a teaching tool before buying it. The paper was designated as the number one Community Newspaper by the state of Missouri under her guidance. Paula was president of the national Journalism Education Association and the first woman member of the Parkville Rotary Club where she was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation. She created the Northland Business Ledger, a public relations firm and at Maple Woods Community College she organized Women Speak, College for Kids and a motorcycle program. A Certified Program Planner (CPP) and a Certified Fund Raiser Executive (CFRE), Paula’s fundraising expertise benefitted Shepherd’s Center Northland, the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association and many other organizations. Internationally, charities in Central America were aided by her efforts. In 2022 Paula was inducted into the Marquis Who’s Who Biographical Registry for her expertise as a grant writer and nonprofit fundraising consultant. Most recently the USS Hancock (CV/CVA -19) Association has been her focus through its newsletter and plans for the October 2023 reunion.
Paula and Carl traveled extensively both for pleasure and business visiting several continents savoring the memories on film and through new friends. Old friends remember fondly the invitations from Paula to meet for lunch or a glass of wine.
The family thanks North Kansas City Hospital NorthCare Hospice House for its care of Paula. In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care.
A visitation for Paula will be held Saturday, August 5, 2023 from 1 to 3pm, followed by a celebration of life service starting at 3pm at McGilley Antioch Chapel, 3325 Northeast Vivion Road, Kansas City, MO 64119.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcgilleyantiochchapel.com for the Schumacher family.
