ROCKPORT — Paula Jessica McWilliams, 64, died peacefully July 17, 2015, surrounded by her family at the Sussman House in Rockport, due to complication of her ongoing battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Born in Rockland on June 3, 1951, she was the daughter of Gilbert W. Sr. and Bessie Staples Collamore. She was a member of the first graduating class from Medomak Valley High School in 1969.

Paula's early work experience included jobs at local fish factories, nursing homes, Sylvania's in Waldoboro, and as head cook at The Trade Winds and Rockland High School. Later, with her sister, April, she owned Jesse's Café, and for a couple years was the owner of a second-hand store.

In her later years, she started breeding and raising golden retrievers, and ran a small daycare. She enjoyed taking care of all 10 of her grandchildren.

Her family thought of Paula as the best nanny ever. She enjoyed spending time with her daughters and especially her grandchildren. One of her favorite things to do was go to Dunkin’ Donuts and the Second Read for coffee with her girls. She loved shopping and taking special trips to Moody's Diner with Apple, Laci and Teresa. Paula loved her family very much and maintained close ties with them, hanging out with her sisters and brothers whenever she could. A smile was always on her face and she was the life of the party for sure. She loved dancing and playing music. Close friends and family often referred to Paula as "Little Bessie."

A dedicated and devoted mother, she was extremely kind-hearted and compassionate, would give you the proverbial “shirt off her back” and feed every kid in the neighborhood.

Predeceased by her parents, Paula is survived by four daughters, B.J. McWilliams Commeau and her husband, Heath Commeau, of Rockland, Denita McWilliams of Thomaston, Pauline McWilliams and her fiancé, Todd Conant, of Rockport, and Alicia McWilliams and her fiancé, Benjie Blake, of Warren; 10 special grandchildren, Bryana McWilliams, Keagen McWilliams, Dalton Oakes, Kiara Robinson, Bailey McWilliams, Chloe Blake, Cade Robinson, Colton Robinson, Haley Blake and Quinn Commeau; two sisters, April P. DeVarney and her husband, Bruce, of Rockland, and Kim Stillson and her husband, Andy, of Auburn; two brothers, Gilbert W. Collamore Jr., and Clinton Collamore Sr. and his wife, Mary, all of Waldoboro; her uncle, George Staples of Florida; her special nieces and nephews, Paula, Brooke, Larry, Laci (Lassie) Jessie, Amy, Ben, Katie and CJ; as well as her loving companion of 33 years, Gary "Luke" Lucas of Rockland; and the loving father of her children, Bill McWilliams of Rockland.

Visiting hours will be held Monday, July 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland, where a funeral service will be held Tuesday, July 28 at 10 a.m. The Rev. Ray Thombs will officiate. Interment will follow at Rural Cemetery in Waldoboro.

Paula's family wishes to share a special heartfelt thank you to the Sussman House in Rockport for excellent end of life care. A fund to help with final expenses has been established in Paula's name at Camden National Bank, Attn: Donnaleen DiNapoli, and donations may be made at any branch office; or memorial donations can be made to Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841 (she loved her dogs, they were like her babies).

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.