Paula B. Cannon, obituary
Paula B. Cannon passed unexpectedly from heart failure at home on September 19, 2024.
Paula was born October 30, 1944, in Brockton, Mass, she was the only child of parents Paul and Mary Belinkewicz. Paula received her bachelor’s degree from Stonehill College and her Masters degree from Simmons College and was a devoted teacher for 33 years.
Paula is survived by her best friend and devoted husband, Scot Cannon. She is also survived by their son, Whyman Cannon; daughter Tracey Ellington, (H) Kent Ellington and three grandchildren Jack and Carsyn McCullough and Julia Ellington; her daughter Karen (Kate) Otto-Macuch and (H) Joe Macuch; Her daughter Rachel Parsons-Butler and (H) James Butler.
She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Geraldine, aka Muzza Cannon; brother-in-law, Andrew Cannon (w) Sandy; nieces Sarah Cannon and Emily Cannon; cousin Mary Oko and (H) Jeff Hodeman
She is pre-deceased by her god-daughter, Alexandria Norman and Roe Doxie.
She will also be missed by Michelle Woolf-Tierney and all the students that still have their pillow or bookbag they made in her class.
Paula was the embodiment of love and was always giving to those she met, friends, co-workers, students, and anyone she thought needed a little love, Paula was there to give it. Her heart was so big, full of love, kindness and generosity. She was a loyal friend and maintained long term friendships, some that started in elementary school. She was the ultimate hostess, for many years she and Scot held large holiday gatherings, filled with family, friends and anyone Paula thought needed a place to spend the holiday. There was always room for one more. She took immense pride in making her gatherings special, and her home beautiful. She loved saying grace before a meal and wanted everyone to hold hands so you could “shake the love around!“
Paula was a skilled seamstress. When she retired from teaching, Paula expanded her artisan skills with photography and T-shirt design. Her work is still available at the Lupine Cottage in Belfast and at lupinecottage.net
Paula’s life was mostly about the tremendous love affair she had with her adoring husband Scot. They recently celebrated 48 years of marriage, doing almost everything together as a couple. Their bond was unshakable and their commitment to each other and example for all to follow.
Paula’s faith was immensely important to her, a practicing Catholic her entire life.
It should also be mentioned that Scot and Paula shared their home with many rescue dogs over the years, who helped keep them busy and active.
There is no way to express how much Paula will be missed by her husband, her family and her many friends. She leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love, laughter, hospitality, faith and community.
I met Paula when I started working at South Junior High in Brockton, Massachusetts in Fall 1975. She was in a display case, in the hall, setting up her students sewing work. My big opening line was, “My father works for the Singer Sewing Machine Company”. Must have worked. By February 1976 we decided to get married. I told her father I was 23!
I was actually 22…I would be 23 when we married on August 14, 1976. She was my love and best friend for almost 49 years. It’s all I’ve ever known as an adult. I will still need her every minute of every day. Thank you, Paula, for every second we had together. Stay with me!
A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 11 a.m., at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 81 Court Street, Belfast, ME 04915. A gathering be held immediately afterwards in the church hall. If you feel comfortable, masking is suggested.
Also, a gathering will be held Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 2 - 4 p.m., at Gerry Cannon’s house at 134 Pond Street, Avon, MA 02322.
In lieu of flowers please make donation to ……….