Paula Kay (Kenna) Heiser

Paula Kay Heiser, 76, passed away Monday March 14, 2022, in her residence surrounded by her family and friends. Paula was born to Paul and Katherine (Paszli) Kenna on January 26, 1946 in South Bend. On November 22, 1969, she married George Heiser who survives along with a sister Julie (Richard) Swiental and a brother Michael (Jane) Kenna, brothers-in-law Paul Heiser, Carl (Sue Ann) Heiser, and a sister-in-law, Carol Daniels, 3 nieces, Katherine (Jake) Neece, Carla Hunter, Michelle Heim, and a nephew Joel (Tracy) Kenna.

Paula graduated from New Carlisle High School in 1964, celebrated by her peers for her dedication to Honor Society, school yearbook, and violin performance in the orchestra. There, she also received the DAR award. Paula remained a lifelong student, graduating from Indiana University at South Bend with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1969, a Master of Science in Education in 1974, and Post Graduate Studies from Indiana University/Indiana Wesleyan in 1991.  She was continually decorated in her academic and professional careers with induction to the Nu Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International in 1980, awarded the Indiana University at South Bend Education Alumni Award in 1986, and nominated by her colleagues as the Jefferson School Teacher of Year in 1999, and the Wilson Primary Center in 2004. Ever dedicated to her students and colleagues, Paula was both a member and board member of the IUSB Alumni Assoc. and National Education Assoc/Indiana State Teachers Assoc. She retired from the South Bend Community School Corporation in 2005 after 35 years of service, but her passion for teaching did not end with her career. Until her death, Paula remained an active member of the St. Joseph County Retired Teachers Association and was currently serving as President.

Paula took great pleasure in her home on the lake which her grandparents had previously owned. Always one to spot life’s simple beauties, Paula dedicated her free time to creating a peaceful sanctuary in the yard featuring a garden walk around the pond and defending her garden from geese.  Paula was known for her talents in cross stitching and needlepointing, creating Christmas stockings for friends’ fireplaces, chair cushions, and wall samplers. A marvelous hostess, she loved to entertain guests in her home, porch, and immaculate garden, celebrating holidays, special occasions and the yearly “Back to School” luncheons. She cherished time with family and friends, attending activities in which they participated and socializing with her friends in the Breakfast Bunch and Chat ‘N Eat groups. Known for her warm heart, Paula was generous and charitable in helping others with her time, energy, and resources. 

A visitation will be held from 4-8 pm on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, in the Zahoran Funeral Home, 1826 Kemble Ave. South Bend, IN 46613.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am Mass Wednesday, March 23, in St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, 55756 Tulip Rd., New Carlisle, IN, 46552.  There will be a viewing from 10:00 am until services begin in the church. Entombment will follow in Highland Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to The Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545 or to St. Stanislaus Kostka Church.  To leave an online condolence visit our website at www.zahoran.com or our Facebook page, Zahoran Funeral Home.

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