Obituary: FOOTE, PAULA JEAN

Paula Jean Foote1955 ~ 2011On October 5, 2011, with great dignity, strength and courage, beloved daughter, sister, niece and friend, Paula Foote completed her journey on this earth after a three year fight against cancer. She always maintained a positive attitude in spite of her diagnosis and continually reminded us of her signature catch phrase, "It is what it is."Paula was born on March 30th, 1955 to Wallace J. and Judy F. Foote. Her life was one of hard work, adventure, and fun. She attended elementary and secondary schools in the Holladay area. She graduated from Cottonwood High School in 1973 and immediately began a career in executive administration.Paula married Mr. Charles White on Sept. 18, 1983, and later divorced. With a very determined spirit, she embarked upon a path that resulted in significant and meaningful friendships throughout her entire life. Paula really enjoyed interacting with people and found true happiness working for her mother at the infamous Widow McCoy's private club. Her experience there provided the foundation to gain employment in the Nevada Hotel and Gaming Industry. Her engaging and entertaining personality was irresistible, and she made work fun for her customers, co-workers and supervisors.Far more notable than her professional accomplishments was her unwavering dedication to family and friends. Paula was always willing to help a friend in need. She developed an extensive group of dedicated friends when she moved to Mesquite who, upon learning of her disease, quickly became her second family. Regardless of the aggressive nature of this particular form of cancer, she held her head high and never once engaged in self-pity. Her amazing spirit and willingness to battle back was readily apparent.Paula was a tremendous inspiration, and those who knew her have suffered a great loss. Paula was a supportive daughter, sister, niece, aunt and friend. She was a wonderful Mother figure to the true love of her life, her niece, Megan Foote. Watching those two "Noodleheads" together was a picture of true happiness. The time she spent helping raise, nurture, and support Megan was the best part of her life. Paula made certain that her legacy would live on through Megan, as well as the many others whose lives she touched, for many years to come.Paula is survived by her father, Wallace J. Foote (Rose Cislini); brother; Steven (Ellen) Foote, niece Megan Foote, step nephew Mark Orchard, step nieces, Lauren, Kristen, and Kathryn Orchard; aunt, Frankie Ford (Scott Quai) and family; aunt, Nancy F. Warner and family. In addition, Paula is also survived by an amazing second family in Mesquite, Nevada. Thank you for your unconditional love and care for our beautiful Paula.Paula was preceded in death by a number of dearly loved family members. Unfortunately, most every death was related to cancer. Please do all you can prevent the needless suffering and loss of life through early detection and aggressive treatment of this terrible disease.A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 21, 2011 at 4:00 pm at the Larkin Cemetery located at 2350 East 1300 South in Salt Lake City. A celebration of Paula's life will follow immediately after the service at Lumpy's Sports Club located at 3000 South Highland Drive from 4:30 pm till 6:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate your tax deductible donation to provide shoes & back packs filled with supplies for underprivileged children. Please contact the So. Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce via email info at sslchamber.com or call 801-466-3377 for more information.