Patricia “Patty” Jane Paul, 86, of Loogootee

Born on May 29, 1940 in Vintondale, Pennsylvania, she was the beloved daughter of Frank and Pearl Burgoon. She was known for her beautiful, contagious smile, kind spirit, and love for Jesus. Patty touched the lives of everyone who had the honor of knowing her. A wonderful mother, grandmother, and friend, she exemplified selflessness and warmth. As a devout Christian, her generous spirit will be remembered forever, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and compassion that lives on in all of us. 

For 23 years, Patty worked as a nurse’s aide for the state of Pennsylvania. She later moved to Saint Louis, where she continued her calling at The Veteran’s Hospital as a nursing assistant before returning to Pennsylvania to care for family members for many years. Fourteen years ago, she relocated to Indiana, where she served as a teaching assistant at The Shoals Community Schools and contributed her time to the Afterschool Program. 

Patty was also an active volunteer, lending her time at the Loogootee Library and engaging in various community activities. She volunteered with SOAR and the Martin County Community RSVP. Her passion for learning was evident as she continued to take computer and online classes. An avid reader, she found joy in books and loved listening to audiobooks. For many years, she spent her winters volunteering in the kitchen at Avon Park Holiness Camp, Florida. 

She attended the Shoals Nazarene Church and was a member of the Loogootee Methodist Bible study group. On January 31, 1996, she married William “Bill” Paul, and he preceded her in death. Patty was also preceded in death by her parents, a great-granddaughter, Ayden Jane McKinley, and her former husband, Bernard Mervine. 

Patty is survived by her beloved family, which she said was her greatest blessing including her children: Debra “Debbie” (George) Younkin and Theresa “Terry” (Gary) Holt; ten grandchildren: Tiffany Young, Shannon (Josuha) Cable, Ashley (David) Price, Chelsea (Michael) Williams, Audrey (Nick) Conlon, Lindsey (Cody) Douglas, Janelle (Brian) Riggle, Jennifer (Jordan) Sinnott, Derek (Nicole) Holt, and Eli Holt; and 22 great- grandchildren; she is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Cathrine Spotts, and Rosemary Roles. 

She is a great example of how to live and love life and she will be deeply missed, but her spirit and legacy will forever inspire those who knew her.