Barbara Paul

Barb died peacefully on May 8, 2022 at Bishop Drumm Care Facility with her family by her side. We truly believe that it was preordained that she see the face of God on Good Shepard Sunday as well as Mother’s Day, reunited with her son Tom who died in June of 2021 Barb was born on June 27, 1930 in Dixon, Illinois. She was raised in Jerome, Iowa and played basketball for both Numa High School and Seymour High School where she graduated in 1948. She graduated from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in 1951. She obtained her Bachelor of General Studies degree from Drake University in 1981. After graduating from nursing school she began her career at Mercy on the 3-11 shift starting in the orthopedic unit and then as the Nursing Supervisor for seven years. The administrator of Mercy at that time was Sr. Mary Anita Paul who introduced her to her nephew Eugene and any ideas of joining the convent were set aside. On June 27, 1959 Barb married Eugene J Paul and on May 26, 1960 they welcomed triplets; Jean, John and Thomas. They made their home in Urbandale, across the street from St. Pius X Catholic Church and School. Both were so important to her. A devout Catholic she attended daily mass when she could until she moved to Bishop Drumm in 2013. She continued to attend daily Mass there as well as long as she was able. Barb was a wonderful mother and stayed home to raise and care for her children for 10 years. She returned to Mercy Hospital as a part time Nursing Administration Patient Care Coordinator in 1970 and served in that role until her retirement in 1995. After retirement she enjoyed being with her family and friends, traveling, bowling on several leagues throughout the years and no one ever entered her home without seeing her vast Precious Moments Collection. She may have also have been spotted at a casino or two. Dementia may have stolen her memories but her warm, caring heart and sense of humor remained intact. Barb is survived by her children, Dr. Jean M. Paul of Urbandale, Iowa and John E. Paul of Johnston, Iowa. Her husband Eugene, her son Thomas and her mother Edith Welch preceded her in death. A visitation will be held at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Urbandale, Iowa on Sunday May 15, 2022 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm with a Rosary at 4:30pm. Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Urbandale, Iowa on Monday May 16, 2022 at 10:30 am. Entombment to follow at Merle Hay Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial contribution to the Eugene J. Paul Family Scholarship at Drake University so her legacy may go on to help others obtain their dreams. https://alumni.drake.edu/giveonline We would like to thank Bishop Drumm for the care she received over the last 8 and a half years. Barbie was loved by many and her stories will be repeated for years to come. We would also like to thank Suncrest Hospice for their care in her final months. We will miss our Barbie but always remember “Every night is a good night for a Silent Night” May she rest in Heavenly Peace.