Paula G. Nels

Paula (Colyer) Nels, 67, of Monroe, MI lost her 11-month battle with breast cancer on April 23rd 2014. Born October 7th 1946, she was the beloved daughter of Don and Hilda (Grauf) Colyer. She grew up on Brest Bay, a graduate of Jefferson high school in 1964. She began her early career at Jones Transfer, while attending Monroe County Community College at the same time. She opened and operated The Magic Moment Bridal Shop, formerly located at 35 East Front St. in downtown Monroe. She transitioned into real estate sales where she had a very successful career for over 30 years, beginning as a Century 21 agent, and concluding with Coldwell Banker Haynes Real Estate. A fierce competitor in sales and sports, she loved being active. In her youth she was an outstanding water skier, and an aggressive softball player. She enjoyed bowling, ice-skating, volleyball, and down hill skiing. She loved to spend time on the lake sailing, but her true passion was playing golf. She could be found playing and practicing golf anytime weather permitted. Paula was a proud member of the Monroe Golf and Country Club. During her membership there she participated in many championships and served on several committees. She loved sharing the course with her friends, including Cathy Netter, Kim Roe, Debbie Grassa, Paula Vitale, Carla Sweeny, Cathy Miller, and Marilyn Bateman. She was a very active member of her community including volunteering her time with Big Brothers Big Sisters, where she was a former president. She was a past president, and member of the Monroe County Board of Realtors. Paula volunteered as a coach and unified player for the Monroe County Special Olympics. She played as a partner with several Special Olympics athletes in several regional and state tournaments. Paula was a member of the Toledo Women's District Golf Association. As part of this group Paula played the best golf courses in southeastern Michigan and northwest Ohio. She was a longtime member of the Monroe Golf & Country Club, as well as a member of the North Cape Yacht Club. She loved to travel, including vacationing with family and friends in Northern Michigan, and spending winters in Florida. Paula met Hobby Nels in 1970; they married on May 13th 1972 at Grace Lutheran Church in Monroe. She is survived by, her husband Hobby, their three children, daughter Korri Nels of Toledo, OH, sons Kirby Nels of Boulder, CO, and Kelsey Nels of Monroe, MI, son-in-law Kyle Kennedy of Toledo, OH, and her favorite and only Grandchild Kassidy Kennedy, of Toledo, OH who was the light of Paula’s life. Paula Nels was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Hilda (Grauf) Colyer, of Monroe, and her brother Randy Colyer of Monroe. Paula’s family would truly like to thank all of those who supported, treated, and helped Paula throughout her battle with cancer at Mercy Memorial Hospital, Monroe Cancer Center, Monroe Mercy Health Care System, The Toledo Clinic and The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center. The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 27, at the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Road, from 1-8 PM, where a scripture service will be held that day at 5 PM. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Monday, April 28, at St. Michael the Archangel Parish at 11 AM. She will lie in state from 10 AM until the mass begins. Fr. Stephen Vileo, pastor of the church, will officiate, and burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Monroe. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute for breast cancer research or the Meadow Montessori School of Monroe.

Paula G. Nels

October 7, 1946 - April 23, 2014