Obituary: Paula Burton Laubhan Ormond

As received from the Pearce Funeral Home:

Hancock: Paula Burton Laubhan Ormond, 95 years-old, died peacefully June 15th, following a lengthy illness.

A dynamic personality, Paula wore many hats throughout her lifetime, always showing a strong will to “get things done.” Born in Pontiac, IL, she proved to be a talented musician and was playing the church organ by the age of ten. While attending Northwestern School of Music, she discovered a change in purpose and sought out a Nursing Degree. Maintaining a successful nursing career for over a decade, in the mid-60s she accepted a teaching job at Elgin Community College — later becoming the Director of Health and Human Services there.

Following a redefining mid-life move to Colorado (her home for nearly half her life), she became the Director of an addiction recovery facility for women. Out West, she developed a deep connection to the land, along with a sincere appreciation for Native American arts (especially jewelry), which so well captured the essence of the landscape.

Throughout her professional career, motherhood and into retirement, she stayed musically active, playing with community churches in every town she lived. She worked hard in every endeavor she undertook, and expected the same of those who worked for her. Her commanding leadership skills were genuine and effective.

A humanitarian at heart, she helped many along her path, while also affectionately caring for a number of horses, dogs and cats. Paula is survived by four children (from her first marriage), three step-children (from her second marriage) and a number of grandchildren.

The Pearce Funeral Home in Lake Linden is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be shared online with the family at pearcefuneralhome.com