Obituary for
Paula Jean Gelbert
Paula Jean Gelbert, 76, of Sunrise, FL and formerly of Coral Springs, FL passed away on September 7, 2016. Born in Grand Rapids, MI to Angeline and John Stelter, she was one of six children. Paula graduated from Mt. Mercy Academy in 1956 and sought a career in food service. After trying her hand at restaurants, Paula turned to hospitals and nursing homes where she found the most joy as a food service manager. She was passionate about her job, but especially passionate about her employees and their well-being.
Eventually relocating to South Florida, Paula found her church home in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church 27 years ago. She was a member of their Emmaus woman’s group. She was active in the church’s annual craft show, food service, and eventually started crafting beaded jewelry through her small jewelry business, Good News Jewelry, which featured her unique “Life of Christ” bracelets. She enjoyed traveling, visiting her family's home land, Poland, as well as other locations in Europe and across the United States. In her spare time she enjoyed gardening, cooking, and music lessons for piano and guitar.
Paula is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, James; 5 children, Sheri Ann Lackey, Phillip Sheridan Etheridge, Angela Regina Berkowitz, Anthony Robert DuBois, and Tina Marie Kovelesky; 15 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Also left to cherish her memory is her brother, John Stelter. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Elizabeth "Lisa" Vollen in August, 2016.
There will be a viewing in the church from 10:00 A.M. to 10:45 A.M. on Monday, September 12, 2016 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to Paula’s memory via the following account information:
Bank: SunTrust
Routing # 063102152
Account # 1000198605957
