Paula Rae Stewart, 77, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly on September 1, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, friendship, and memories that will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved her.

Born on July 21, 1949, in New London, Wisconsin, Paula grew up in Weyauwega, where she formed lifelong friendships and built the foundation for the vibrant life she would go on to live. She carried those friendships and memories with her throughout her life and always held Weyauwega close to her heart.

An opportunity to move to New Orleans led Paula to eventually meet her husband of 37 years, give birth to her two children, and meet some of the best friends of her life. She loved the city’s vibrant culture, unforgettable food, lively music, and warm, welcoming people. She embraced the spirit of The Big Easy—the joy, energy, hospitality, and sense of celebration- making the city an important and cherished part of her life story.

Paula began her career as an X-ray tech before making the transition into medical sales, where her incredible personality, determination, and natural ability to connect with people made her exceptionally successful. She quickly rose to the top of her field and was proud of the career she built through hard work and perseverance.

But Paula’s greatest accomplishments were never found on a résumé. They were found in the people she loved.

She was a devoted mother to her children-Jon and Allison, born just 13 months apart. She was an adored grandmother to Maeve Browne and Fallon Browne, and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her first grandson. Her grandchildren were among the greatest joys of her life, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

Paula lived life with a brightness that was impossible to miss. She was lively, vivacious, and full of personality, with an unmistakable gift for gab and, of course, advice for everything. She was the kind of person who could turn an ordinary moment into a story, a gathering into a celebration, and a stranger into a friend. She shone a brilliant light, and those who knew her would agree that she had a way of making life feel a little more fun, a little more colorful, and a lot more memorable.

She enjoyed working in her yard, traveling, shopping, cooking, entertaining, and spending time with her family. She especially loved gathering the people she cared about around a table, sharing good food, telling stories, and enjoying a Dewar’s and water.

Paula’s sudden passing has left an enormous hole in the lives of her family and friends. While her loss is profound, so too is the legacy she leaves behind: a family who adored her, friendships that lasted a lifetime, countless stories and memories, and the example of a woman who knew how to live fully and love fiercely.

Paula is preceded in death by her parents, Erwin and Evelyn Pleshek.

She is survived by her children, Jon Stewart (Elizabeth Stewart) and Allison Browne (Ryan Browne); her beloved grandchildren, Maeve Browne and Fallon Browne; and her grandson on the way, whom she was so excited to meet. She also leaves behind countless friends and loved ones whose lives were sunnier because she was in them.

A Celebration of Paula’s Life will be held on October 4, 2026. If interested in attending, please send an email to pstewparty@gmail.com for details. In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest contributions be made to Children’s Mercy Autism Clinic.

In true Paula fashion, those who knew her are invited to come together, share stories, raise a glass, laugh, love, and celebrate a life that was anything but ordinary.

Paula’s light will continue to shine through everyone who was lucky enough to love her.