1948
Paula
2020
Paula Kathryn Connington
April 18, 1948 — August 5, 2020
“You have the power to destroy my body, you have the power to bend my mind, but my soul is not yours to possess.” – Terry Waite
Paula Kathryn (Chambers) Connington went home to the Lord on August 5, 2020. She was born April 18, 1948 in Millville, New Jersey, to Paul and Doris (Williman) Chambers. The oldest of three children, her childhood revolved around family and friends. Participation in Youth for Christ rallies in Ocean City, NJ during her teenage years left her with a lifelong affection for that town.
Paula graduated from Johns Hopkins Nursing School, as a Registered Nurse, in 1969. In December of that year, she married James Frederic (Fred) Connington in a small ceremony in Plantation, Florida. They settled in Liberty, South Carolina and had two daughters, Elizabeth (whom she often referred to as her favorite oldest daughter) and Catherine (her favorite youngest daughter).
In 1981 the family moved to Yarinacocha, Peru, where Fred and Paula spent two years serving as short-term assistants for Wycliffe Bible Translators. Paula worked in the clinic, where (as an introvert) she held her favorite nursing job: keeping inventory of the medicine. After their return to the States, Paula visited churches to share the work of Wycliffe and the family’s experience. Her heart for missions also led her to serve as the Wesleyan Kids for Missions leader at the Central First Wesleyan Church.
In order to be home with their children during the day, much of Paula’s nursing career was spent working night and weekend shifts. Her family would occasionally surprise her with a visit and milkshake. After retiring from nursing, Paula spent several years at home. A dedicated mother, she volunteered at the schools her daughters attended, coached their Odyssey of the Mind teams, and was available to listen and offer advice at any time of the day – or night. She returned to work in 1995, taking what was advertised as a temporary position with the GIS department of the Pickens County Assessor’s Office. Fifteen years later, she retired from that job.
A faithful friend, Paula nurtured close relationships through years and across long distances. Letters to loved ones, even about the everyday and mundane, showcased her personality and sense of humor.
At different times her interests included cross stitching, sewing, completing crossword and jigsaw puzzles, following competitive figure skating, watching British TV shows, and collecting nativity scenes from around the world. An avid reader, she was rarely without a book (often a mystery).
A loving wife, Paula supported Fred’s post-graduate education by keeping the household running. They took great pleasure in working together to design a beautiful and functional retirement house, which allowed Fred to care for Paula at home in recent years. His dedicated attention to her needs during this time is but one example of the love and faithfulness shared throughout their 50-year marriage.
Paula’s legacy includes creating and upholding the family’s unique traditions. Two of the most beloved are making a lamb-shaped cake for Easter and baking dozens of cookies to share with friends each Christmas. To this day, all favorite Connington traditions involve food.
She is survived by her husband, Fred Connington of Liberty, South Carolina; her two children, Elizabeth (Tim) Chase of Frisco, Texas and Catherine (Scott) Ehret of Frisco, Texas; and her two grandchildren, Simeon and Anna Chase. She is also survived by her siblings, Donna (Mark) Tuttle of Harleysville, Pennsylvania and Garry (Anita) Chambers of Delray Beach, Florida.
Because Paula was not a fan of large gatherings and due to Covid-19, a memorial service will not be held at this time. If you would like to toast her, please eat a dish of mint chocolate chip ice cream and share your favorite memory of her.
The family would like to thank the caregivers, provided by Guardian Home Care of Liberty, and the many friends who provided support through her final illness.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Liberty United Methodist Church, PO Box 55, Liberty, SC 29657.
Paula Kathryn (Chambers) Connington went home to the Lord on August 5, 2020. She was born April 18, 1948 in Millville, New Jersey, to Paul and Doris (Williman) Chambers. The oldest of three children, her childhood revolved around family and friends. Participation in Youth for Christ rallies in Ocean City, NJ during her teenage years left her with a lifelong affection for that town.
Paula graduated from Johns Hopkins Nursing School, as a Registered Nurse, in 1969. In December of that year, she married James Frederic (Fred) Connington in a small ceremony in Plantation, Florida. They settled in Liberty, South Carolina and had two daughters, Elizabeth (whom she often referred to as her favorite oldest daughter) and Catherine (her favorite youngest daughter).
In 1981 the family moved to Yarinacocha, Peru, where Fred and Paula spent two years serving as short-term assistants for Wycliffe Bible Translators. Paula worked in the clinic, where (as an introvert) she held her favorite nursing job: keeping inventory of the medicine. After their return to the States, Paula visited churches to share the work of Wycliffe and the family’s experience. Her heart for missions also led her to serve as the Wesleyan Kids for Missions leader at the Central First Wesleyan Church.
In order to be home with their children during the day, much of Paula’s nursing career was spent working night and weekend shifts. Her family would occasionally surprise her with a visit and milkshake. After retiring from nursing, Paula spent several years at home. A dedicated mother, she volunteered at the schools her daughters attended, coached their Odyssey of the Mind teams, and was available to listen and offer advice at any time of the day – or night. She returned to work in 1995, taking what was advertised as a temporary position with the GIS department of the Pickens County Assessor’s Office. Fifteen years later, she retired from that job.
A faithful friend, Paula nurtured close relationships through years and across long distances. Letters to loved ones, even about the everyday and mundane, showcased her personality and sense of humor.
At different times her interests included cross stitching, sewing, completing crossword and jigsaw puzzles, following competitive figure skating, watching British TV shows, and collecting nativity scenes from around the world. An avid reader, she was rarely without a book (often a mystery).
A loving wife, Paula supported Fred’s post-graduate education by keeping the household running. They took great pleasure in working together to design a beautiful and functional retirement house, which allowed Fred to care for Paula at home in recent years. His dedicated attention to her needs during this time is but one example of the love and faithfulness shared throughout their 50-year marriage.
Paula’s legacy includes creating and upholding the family’s unique traditions. Two of the most beloved are making a lamb-shaped cake for Easter and baking dozens of cookies to share with friends each Christmas. To this day, all favorite Connington traditions involve food.
She is survived by her husband, Fred Connington of Liberty, South Carolina; her two children, Elizabeth (Tim) Chase of Frisco, Texas and Catherine (Scott) Ehret of Frisco, Texas; and her two grandchildren, Simeon and Anna Chase. She is also survived by her siblings, Donna (Mark) Tuttle of Harleysville, Pennsylvania and Garry (Anita) Chambers of Delray Beach, Florida.
Because Paula was not a fan of large gatherings and due to Covid-19, a memorial service will not be held at this time. If you would like to toast her, please eat a dish of mint chocolate chip ice cream and share your favorite memory of her.
The family would like to thank the caregivers, provided by Guardian Home Care of Liberty, and the many friends who provided support through her final illness.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Liberty United Methodist Church, PO Box 55, Liberty, SC 29657.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Paula Kathryn Connington, please visit our flower store.
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