Paula Svetlecich

Paula was born in Chicago and raised in Dyer Indiana. She is predeceased by her folks, Anton and Elizabeth (Stasiak) Svetlecich and survived by her life partner Stephanie Kelly of Phoenix. Paula's brother Mark Svetlecich of Phoenix passed away suddenly and after his sister on September 12, 2025 from a recent diagnosis of metastatic lung cancer. Paula attended the College of St Francis in Joliet Ill where she studied Theatre and Journalism. She left the cold climate of Northwest Indiana to put those studies to work in the press department at Los Angeles Theater Center known as L.A.T.C. That experience led her to La Jolla Playhouse where she began a professional association with backstage work and Stage Management. It was in San Diego where she studied Massage therapy and began her long career and continuing education in body work and healing arts. While working at La Jolla playhouse, Paula met her longtime partner/girlfriend Stephanie Kelly of Phoenix. San Diego was a beautiful start but once Paula and Steff moved to Phoenix, they began their careers and their long, good, inseparable relationship.

Paula continued to study and apply many disciplines related to healing through touch and energy. She worked for a bit at Camelback INN spa where she became a professional. That allowed her to jump start her own private client business. She was able to grow her business by joining networking groups, where she created a group and served in leadership. Paula’s loyal clientele not only stuck with her throughout her 30 years of practice but became close friends with many of them. These “clients” were not only treated to a relaxing and often healing massage, but to time with a beautiful soul that would listen thoughtfully to both body and mind.

Paula’s favorite pastime was hiking. It all started with a group of friends on a hike down the Grand Canyon. What continued was 11 total fun filled trips with more great friends, both rims and Phantom Ranch’s tasty meals. She led many of her dear friends on hiking trips locally through Phoenix Mountain Preserve’s beautiful trails. She became a volunteer with the City of Phoenix Parks to help maintain these and many other trails.

Paula’s other passions besides helping her clients and the occasional theatre work with Steff, was her love for her kitties. She took great care of many cats in her lifetime and would hardly let a dog walk by without applying her training to give more than a mere pat on the head. Those dogs were treated to her magic and instantly felt calm and happy. Most all her clients could relate to that feeling.

Paula also enjoyed singing. Most recently in a community choir here in the valley. She was an avid game player and really enjoyed working on puzzles. She was often up way too late, finishing a puzzle, and when playing a game with family, she usually found a way to win on her first chance to play.

Paula fought a short but aggressive battle with breast cancer. She passed peacefully and at home while navigating treatment. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith." ---2 Timothy 4:7

Paula was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, aunt and friend. She was a much-loved companion to Steff and engaged willingly and passionately in so many groups, situations and new places. Her many friends and extended family of friends will certainly miss her until they are reunited. "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." ----Psalms 147:3

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." ---Revelation 21:4

We will get together to share even more stories of Paula’s life. She will be celebrated at a date yet to be determined. Please visit this site again for updates and more information.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Paws 4 A Cause, the organization that her friends run, or another animal shelter of your choice.

For those who wish to donate in Paula's name please direct your donations to

Paws 4 A Cause

www.paws4acause.org to make a tax-deductible donation in the name of Paula Svetlecich

FROM PAWS 4 A CAUSE

At Paws 4 A Cause, we rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs-especially those with medical needs that others turn away. Every dog is vaccinated, spayed/neutered, microchipped and socialized to prepare them for a better life. We also evaluate dogs for service work, and those who qualify are trained and donated to veterans, giving both dog and hero a new purpose. Saving lives. Creating second chances. That's what we do.

Paws 4 A Cause is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Tax ID: 83-1974693