Paula had grown up and resided in Washburn, ME. She attended High School there and later graduated from Northern Maine Vocational School as a Licensed Practical Nurse. For 40 years she was an LPN at the Caribou, Maine Cary Medical Center, retiring in 2008.

Paula enjoyed baking, shopping, sleepovers with grandkids, and traveling She was a very caring person, always ready to help where she was needed. Her special love was her family and friends, spending time and ready to lend a helping hand for whatever the need.

Surviving besides her husband, Robert are two sons, Randy D. Peterson of Neustadt, Germany, and Gary D. Peterson of Palmyra, VA; three daughters, Kim M. (Donald) Smith of Palmyra, VA, Lisa R. Chandonett of Dover, DE, and Jayne C. Walton of Spring, TX; 16 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; four step sons, Richard L. (Sandra) Selden of Des Moines, Iowa, Edward R. (Susan) Selden of Aiken, SC, David A. Selden of Charlottesville, VA, and Paul R. Selden of Allegany, NY; a step daughter, Carol J. Selden of Allegany, NY; 14 step grandchildren and six step great grandchildren; three brothers, Deke (Sharon) Deeves of Augusta, ME, Robert (Diane) Deeves of Hamlin, ME; and Victor (Claudette) Deeves of Presque Isle, ME; two sisters, Earlyne Lamoreau of Preque Isle, ME, and Wanda (Chuck) Bigelow of Tolland, Connecticut; and several nieces and nephews.

Paula was predeceased by a brother, Darrell Deeves; two sisters, Janice Malm and Sharon Kristner; and a grandson, Garrett Peterson.