Paula Sieminski

PAULA SIEMINSKI (nee Buzdon) age 62, beloved wife of Anthony for 39 years; loving mother of Andrew and Nathan; cherished daughter of Maria and the late Milan Buzdon; dearest sister of Bridget Davis (husband Jeff) and Robert Buzdon (wife Laurene) and sister-in-law of Alice Holt (husband Eric); dear aunt of Nicole, Jeffrey, Spencer, Stewart, Krystyna, Nicholas, and Jonathan (fiancé Hayley Tetter).

Paula was born on December 18, 1961, in the Croatian port city of Rijeka in the northern Adriatic Sea.  She lived happily for the first few years of her life with her family in the mountainous village of Lanisce in the Istrian peninsula of Croatia.  At a young age, she and her family sought out a new life with new opportunities in the United States. The family’s journey led them out of Croatia to Italy for a short stay, and onto the United States where they eventually settled in a community on the near eastside of Cleveland, Ohio. Paula attended a parochial elementary school at St. Francis of Assisi in Gates Mills and graduated from Notre Dame Academy, a catholic high school in Chardon.  Paula continued her education at Cleveland State University, where she first earned her Bachelor of Industrial Engineering degree.  After working in industry for several years, Paula returned to Cleveland State University to earn her Master of Science in Industrial Engineering degree, working during the day and taking classes during the evening.  With her extensive background and ultra dedication, Paula devoted 30 years of her work life as an engineer to Swagelok Company, working tirelessly at several eastside facilities.  Paula finally decided to retire from Swagelok Company on February 13, 2024.  Paula truly valued the sacrament of marriage, the sanctity of life, and her Christian faith above all.  She was extremely devoted to serving as a sponsor couple with Tony for Pre-Cana to mentor soon to be married couples, both at St. Francis of Assisi and Divine Word Catholic Churches.  Paula’s selfless nature always made sure others were cared for, especially the youth.  This was never more evident than when she taught young children their Catholic faith during PSR classes on Sunday mornings at Divine Word.  Paula happily accepted the role and responsibility of being a God Mother to her nieces and nephews, Krystyna, Jonathan, Nicholas, and Nicole.  Family was a huge pillar and front and center in Paula’s life.  As a child growing up, most holidays involved large family gatherings and many trips were taken to Canada and Croatia to visit extended family.  Paula first met her “perfect match”, Tony, at Cleveland State University in 1982.  Their love blossomed and Paula married Tony on September 14, 1985.  With so much love to give and valuing the sanctity of life, Paula and Tony thankfully welcomed their sons, Andrew and Nathan, into their family.  Like her childhood, Paula and her family enjoyed many trips together to oceanside locations like Florida and South Carolina.  Closer to home, Paula and her family enjoyed daytime excursions to Geauga Lake, Cedar Point, and the Zoo, as well as to museums, ballparks, and local swimming pools.  Paula’s home was always filled with patience, love, and kindness.  That same patience, love, and kindness was always extended to Andrew and Nathan’s friends.  Over the years, Paula was always present watching and cheering on Andrew and Nathan during grade school and high school football games, basketball games, and track meets.  Paula was most comfortable at her home, and she cherished the help provided by her mom and dad who helped build her home.  She enjoyed gardening, as well as designing and perfecting her home.  Paula took a brief hiatus from her engineering career to earn her real estate license.  She appreciated her time as a real estate agent and helped sell many homes for her father, uncle, as well as close family friends.  Paula always, especially the last few years, found serenity in the quiet evenings that she and Tony spent and enjoyed together in their home.  Tony was not only the love of her life, but her confidant and voice when she needed it most.  2-½ years ago, Paula was diagnosed with stomach cancer.  Paula courageously endured chemotherapy, surgery, immunotherapy, radiation treatment at the University Hospital Seidman Cancer Center, as well as trips to the Emergency Department for sceptic shock, ministroke, and shortness of breath, as well as adverse reactions to her treatments.  Throughout Paula’s battle with stomach cancer, Tony was her advocate and was always by her side.  Tony provided Paula with the never-ending love, support, and encouragement that he promised her 39 years ago, “through sickness and in health”.  On March 13, 2024, with her family around her, Paula’s battle with cancer ended, and she earned her eternal rest, free of any further pain.  Paula was an inspiration to everyone throughout her entire life and especially during this cancer battle with her selflessness, positive nature, courage, and deep-rooted Catholic faith.  To the last day and minute, everyone continued to be amazed by Paula’s strength to endure incredible pain, and yet she never complained, all the while trying to be positive and happy toward everyone she encountered.  She was a fighter and a warrior to the end.  Although Paula will be sorely missed by everyone that knew and loved her, her bright light in everyone’s lives will continuously shine forever.  God bless you Paula and rest easy without pain.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Paula to Hannah’s Home, 8525 Lakeshore Blvd, Mentor, OH 44060.

Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Divine Word Catholic Church, 8100 Eagle Rd, Willoughby, OH 44094, at 12 Noon.

Burial following at All Souls Cemetery.

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Paula at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) Friday, March 22, 2024, 3-5PM and 6-8PM.