Paula Shiminski Thompson, 57, of Damariscotta, passed away on the morning of April 21 at her home surrounded by family. She is at peace after enduring a 10-month battle with cancer.
Paula was born in Augusta, Ga. on Oct. 28, 1953, the daughter of Paul and Dorothy (Simpson) Shiminski. After a brief time there, the new family moved to Massachusetts and then settled in Nelliston, N.Y. where Paula and her six siblings were raised. As the oldest child of the family, Paula was a big sister and friend, always looking after the needs of others at home and on many trips and family vacations to Maine. She graduated from Fort Plain High School in 1971, an honor student and athlete in several sports. Paula attended St. Lawrence University for one year before meeting the love of her life one summer in Maine. She bought the “little house” on Back Meadow Road in 1973 where she lived with her dog Droopy and two cats, Daisy and Lily.
Paula married Guy Thompson on March 29, 1975. In addition to raising their own family, Paula and Guy opened their door to anyone needing help. They were foster parents to many children over the years, providing much more than a place to live and food to eat. The always expanding family took many trips together, including camping in Washington D.C. and Quebec, and surprise visits Christmas morning to her family home in Nelliston. With the children grown, Paula and Guy took many trips themselves. They enjoyed exploring Ecuador and visiting family in Texas and San Diego, Cal.
Paula’s other family was at Great Salt Bay School where she worked as a secretary for 24 years, retiring on Feb. 28. In December 2010, the staff honored her for her years of dedication to the school. The outpouring of gifts and love overwhelmed Paula, exhibiting her true selfless nature. Because of these gifts she was able to take one last trip to Disneyland in California.
Paula was predeceased by her father, Paul A. Shiminski in 2008.
She is survived by her husband, Guy; children and a foster child, Kristi Backus and husband David, Ryan Thompson and fiancée Elysha Turski, Seth Thompson and wife Sabrina, and Jason McClure and wife Corinne; mother, Dorothy Shiminski; brothers, Don Shiminski and wife Sue, Jim Shiminski and wife Linda, John Shiminski and wife Janice and Vince Shiminski and wife Sally; sisters, Karla Shiminski and husband Tim Miller and Myra Caron and husband Glen; four grandchildren; three nieces; and one nephew.
Time to visit with the family 6-7 p.m., Tues., April 26 at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta. Funeral mass 11 a.m., Wed., April 27 at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Newcastle. She will be laid to rest following the service in the St. Patrick’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Maine Cancer Foundation, 970 Baxter Blvd., Suite 204, Portland, ME 04103.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, Damariscotta.
