Paula D. Gides

Paula D. Gides, 62, of Lilly, Pa., passed away very peacefully, surrounded by her children and loved ones, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh, on Feb. 28, 2015, after a brief respiratory illness.

She was born Paula Smith, in Punxsutawney, on March 10, 1952.

She is survived by her husband and soulmate of 37 years, John Gides of Lilly, Pa.; two sons, John Gides Jr. of Los Angeles, California and Joel Gides and partner Alyssa Barilar of Hollidaysburg, Pa.; a daughter, Cortney Laverick and husband Tyson of Frederick, Maryland; and two grandchildren, Roman David Gides and Phaerah Ryelle Gides of Hollidaysburg, Pa.

She is also survived by a sister, Dr. Kathleen Smith of Clarion, Pa.; two brothers, Garen and wife Sara of Kane, Pa. and David and wife Victoria of Punxsutawney; and many nieces and nephews, all whom loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Janet and Clair Smith; her former husband, Dennis Myers; her eldest son, Justin; two sisters, Jean Marie Richardson and Sandra Novicki; and a brother, William Smith and wife Rose.

Paula’s greatest passion was her family, spending summers along the Delaware seashore and traveling to New York City.

For several years, she operated a children’s daycare facility, then became the owner and operator of Track Snacks Restaurant at the Horseshoe Curve in Gallitzin, Pa.

She was an avid cook, loved entertaining and had a very entrepreneurial spirit.

Paula’s final and most astounding contribution to humanity was the donation of her lungs to the University of Pittsburgh in an effort to find a cure for millions suffering from pulmonary fibrosis, the fatal disease to which she ultimately succumbed and battled bravely.

Relatives and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at Thomas F. Cloherty Funeral Home in Lilly, where a vigil for the deceased will also be held.

A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2015, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Alleghenies Chapel, Lilly, with the Rev. Msgr. John S. Sasway as celebrant.

Committal will be in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery, Lilly.


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