Paula M Klein

Paula Margaret Klein 71, longtime resident of Macomb, Michigan, went home to Jesus on December 7th, surrounded by her loving family. A fighter until the end, Paula finally succumbed after a six and a half year battle with an aggressive neuro-degenerative movement disease, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Paula was a force to be reckoned with. Her presence was felt as soon as she entered a room, and warmth and light emanated from her. She had a deep impact on countless lives and she will be dearly missed by so many. Paula was born October 15th, 1953, in Royal Oak, Michigan, to Edward and Audrey (Burkhardt) Rutherford, who raised their family in Ann Arbor. A tomboy through and through, she was the only girl of four children. She is survived by her husband, Peter Klein, son Peter (Angela) Klein, daughter Audra (Michael) Guzick, step-son Chris (Liz) Klein, step-daughter Alexis (Keith) Davidson, grandchildren Elsa, Paul, Elijah, Micah, Hunter (Rachael), Abraham (Bethany), Lexie (Chad), great-grandchildren Josie and Jonah, her brothers Jim (Sherin), Doug, and Scott (Betsy) Rutherford, and other members of the Klein – Rutherford family. Paula graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1976. She worked several office jobs before she began working at Cross Company where she met her husband, Peter, after “accidentally” stepping on his foot. Before the age of texting and emails, Paula and Peter would send inter-company memos to one another as they began to court. Paula was also known to embarrass Peter from time to time by sending a delivery of flowers to his office. Peter and Paula were married on May 11th, 1985 - their “First Anniversary” - with a reception and celebration following on August 31st, 1985 - their “Second Anniversary”. Paula loved her children and stepchildren fiercely, and chose to forego a career to focus her attention on raising them. She was highly involved in their schools and at church groups, and made her love and presence felt throughout their lives. Paula was an active member of Rockpointe Community Church. She took part in the church choir for many years, her most notable role being that of “Olivia Orange” in the annual Christmas Pageant. Over the years, Paula also taught Sunday school, volunteered in the children’s area, and was a loving and trusted counsel to many young women in the youth group. Paula was a loyal and steadfast friend, taking care of many of her friends throughout the yearsas they fought their own health battles. After surviving a battle with cancer in 2015, Paula spent many hours volunteering in the same chemotherapy room where she had received treatment. Even throughout her health battle the last six years, Paula’s faith in God and desire to serve were unwavering. After her faith, nothing was more important to Paula than her family. She devoted her life to her husband, children, stepchildren, and grandchildren. There was nothing she loved more than having all her family gathered in their home. Paula will forever reside in our hearts, and her legacy will continue to inspire and guide us. We find comfort in knowing that she is now at peace and free from suffering in the arms of her savior. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024 from 3-8pm at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc., 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile), Sterling Heights. Instate Saturday, December 14th, 2024 at 10 am until the 11am Funeral Services at Rockpointe Community Church (38100 Utica Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48312) at 11am. Interment to take place at Cadillac Memorial Gardens East, Clinton Township, MI. Paula's family asks those interested in honoring her memory and supporting her family to consider donating to CurePSP here https://www.psp.org/tribute-funds?page=2 (direct link: https://secure2.convio.net/cpsp/site/Donation2?df_id=4520&mfc_pref=T&4520.donation=formCurePSP is a nonprofit dedicated to finding a cure and providing hope to others facing this devastating illness. Please share memories with the family at their online guestbook at WujekCalcaterra.com

Paula M Klein

October 15, 1953 - December 7, 2024