Paula O'Leary

Paula Jeanne O’Leary, (AKA; Paula J. Beyel, Paula J. Norder, Mary Penelope Kottaus Norder Christ) age 71, passed away in her home on December 3rd, 2024. Daughter to Lt. Joseph J. O’Leary and Ruth D. Wright, was born in Rockford, IL on March 3rd, 1953. Paula played many roles in her lifetime. Not only was she a daughter, sister, niece, cousin, wife, mother, aunt, and friend; She was a long-time member of the old “12 & 12”. She became a CNA at Blackhawk Technical College in 1982. She was an avid writer, so close to having her work published by the “Institute of Children’s School of Literature ‘’. Working on the “Les Aspin” campaign, she became part of the “Junket Club” for all her hard work and dedication. In 2001, Paula did extensive research on her father, Lt. Joseph O’Leary’s heroic actions on the frontline as a POW. She had the honor of getting her dad inducted into the National World War 2 memorial in Washington DC. Paula was a passionate advocate for equal “Mental Health, Human and Animal Rights” she would often write to, question, and challenge The Supreme court, Wisconsin state congress, as well as to many of our local political representatives. A quote Paula often would use which indeed would sum her up would be: “Better to go down by the good and lawful than to go down by the bad and aw-ful” She survived in life as a devout faithful woman of God, her love for music, thirst for knowledge of the unknown, the truth within her extensive library of literature, her loving cat Princess, nephew Scotty McCarthy and nieces Sara Murray and Jenna Lazzaroni. Paula was preceded in death by her Mother Ruth D. Wright-Ernst, father Lt. Joseph J. O’Leary, Sisters Tina L. McCarthy, Aimee F. Lazzaroni. brother William E. Ernst and the love (s) of her Life Danny L. Norder, John Lennon and Jesus! Paula’s burial will commence on March 2nd, 2025, a "The City of Marengo Cemetery” 101-199 N East St, Marengo, IL 60152 at Lt. Joseph J O’Leary’s burial plot at 1pm. Followed by a small gathering at Mr. & Mrs. Wright’s home at 916 Cambridge Dr. Janesville, WI. 53548. For any additional questions or information please contact via email Blueeyedjane00@gmail.com

Paula O'Leary

March 3, 1953 - December 3, 2024