Paula Jane Gittins

Paula Jane Gittins (née Lilly) passed away peacefully Friday, July 7th, surrounded by her family. Paula is survived by her husband and partner more than 57 years, Bill Gittins, her sister Karen Rodella, her daughters, Kate (McArdle) & Kara (Snyder) & Lily (the much spoiled cat of Paula & Bill), her sons-in-law who are family, Brad and Steve, her grandchildren, Shelby, Leo and Katelyn, her great-grandchildren (Shelby) Denali & Colton, her nieces and nephews, Anne, Jane, & Paul, her long term caregiver who has become family, Susan Gillespie. She is also survived by countless grand-pets.

Paula grew up in Factoryville, PA - with her parents Dr. Paul Lilly and Janet Donnegan Lilly and her sister, Karen. After graduating Valedictorian of her high school, she earned her Library Science degree from Marywood. A Librarian both as a vocation and avocation, she taught her daughters a love for books, stories and language. She was also known to “invent” words and it took her daughters well into adulthood to realize that some of the words they use regularly were made up.

Paula has always had a deep love of family and home. She formed a strong bond with Bill’s parents, Margaretta and Bill and was very close to her Aunt, Sr. Catherine Donnegan, IHM. Through the decades, she’s built her family - both blood relatives and treasured friends (like Mary Anna Donohoe from High School and Zee and Joan - lifelong friends and neighbors from King of Prussia.) She always made a comforting home for her husband and children - even when moves were frequent in their young years. She spent most of her time when Kate & Kara were young helping at their schools and being “neighborhood mom.” As a lover of animals, the Gittins home was never without pets. A favorite treat for Paula and the girls was “breakfast for dinner” when Bill was traveling.

As girls, Paula and Karen spent a lot of time together with friends & activities in Factoryville.

For fun, Paula loved the water - oceans in NJ, lakes in Maine - that’s where her happy place was to relax and spend time with family. An avid Flyers fan, Bill and Paula were season ticket holders for more than a decade. Paula loved attending games and got to know many of the staff at the arena. The garden that she kept with Bill was the biggest on our street - and many neighbors were happy recipients of the plentiful summertime vegetable. She loved reading, watching old movies, musicals and anything with a great story.

If you were lucky enough to know her, you know that Paula had a dry sense of humor and quick, sarcastic wit. One of her favorite responses to many questions was “I won't dance, don't ask me”. (If you see a family member have them tell you about her wooden spoon, the crabs that got away, and “it’ll grow back”).

The family would like to thank the staff and residents at Brightview who helped make Bill and Paula’s new residence a home as well as providing so much support. Additionally, thank you to the Penn Medicine Hospice team who helped keep Paula comfortable and at home. They also want to thank the Griswold team who provided around the clock support, guidance and caring for her in her final weeks.

She’ll be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Relatives and friends are invited to Paula’s visitation on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at Mother of Divine Providence Church, 333 Allendale Rd. King of Prussia, PA 19406 from 9:30-10:15am, followed by her Funeral Mass at 10:30am. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in Paula's honor to Penn Medicine or the animal rescue of your choice.

Arrangements are by The Bacchi Funeral Home & Crematory, Ltd., Bridgeport, PA.

Condolences to the family may be made at www.bacchifh.com