Obituaries

J. Paula Souders, 56

January 19, 2022

J. Paula Souders, 56, of Mountville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at Hospice & Community Care, Inpatient Center after a 2-year battle with cancer. Paula was the daughter of the late Thomas J. Souders and Anne Louise (Painter) Souders of Lancaster, PA.

Paula was a 1983 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School, where she was an avid basketball player and a member of the drill team. After high school, Paula relocated to Texas, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas-Arlington where she was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority.

She was most recently employed with BAE Systems in York, as a Production Planner. Prior to that, she was employed by Peterbilt Trucking and Brentwood Industries. Paula was also a top sales representative for many years with Party Lite Candles, where she loved connecting with her customers and always knew how to “light up” a candle show.

Paula was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Here she participated in the Community Kitchen Committee, which provided meals to those in need. Her hobbies all revolved around service to others.

Surviving in addition to her mother, Louise are her siblings, Tom Souders (Michele), Kathy Eby (Mike), Cindy Villalpando (Dave), Annette Martin (Dave), Steve Souders (Karen), Beth Formento (Alex), Rick Souders (Terri).

Although she had no children of her own, Paula was dedicated to her nieces and nephews and their children. They include: Monica Koehler (Nick), Samantha Souders, Jonathan Souders, Krista Eby, Tom Eby (Rachelle), Natalie Villalpando, Vinnie Villalpando, Shane Villalpando, Jessica Duvall (Rob), Valerie McCord (Dan), Erika McLaughlin (Mike), Michael Formento (Sarah), Kersten Formento, Juliann Krause (Austin), Kelsey Colosi (Marco), Kevin Souders and Ross Souders.

Great Nieces and Nephews include: Collins Koehler, Aiden and Wyatt Eby, James and Brooke Eby, Bryce and Delaney Duvall, Mackenna and Rylin McCord, Carter and Kinsley McLaughlin, Benjamin and Alexander Formento, and Lucas Krause. She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas J. Souders, and her maternal grandmother, Angelina Painter.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Friday, January 28, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 440 St. Joseph St., Lancaster, PA 17603. Family and friends with be received for visitation at the church, from 9:30am-11am Friday. Interment will follow at St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery Bausman, PA. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Paula’s memory may be made to Hospice & Community Care PO BOX 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125, hospiceandcommunitycare.org, or St. Joseph Catholic Church Restoration Fund at the above address.

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Condolences to the Family

January 28, 2022

My heartfelt condolences to the Souders family. Paula was a dear friend throughout our years at St. Joseph’s school. Many of my fondest childhoid memories include Paula. I will keep her and you all in my prayers. 

January 27, 2022

I had the pleasure of meeting Paula through a co-worker of mine.  She was an amazingly strong woman.  I know that she will be dearly missed by all that knew her. She made me laugh at a time when laughing was a struggle.  Keeping all of her family and dear friends in my thoughts and prayers.  I know that she will be an amazing guardian angel to all that knew and loved her.

January 27, 2022

Hello Louise,so sorry to hear of your daughters passing.Beverly and I would have liked to attend mass but our sister Sandy is seriously Ill. Prayers and peace for your entire family. Gary ,June,and Marisa Terriman.

January 25, 2022

Paula was my friend and coworker at Bae. she always could make laugh. I love her big heart. She always thought of others.  I was blessed to get to to know her. 

January 25, 2022

Those we hold closest to our hearts never truly leave us. They live on in the love they brought us and the laughs we shared.  Sending our condolences and healing prayers. 
Romy and Rose Tivoli

January 24, 2022

A man that hath friends must show himself friendly and there is a friend that sticker closer than a brother- Proverbs 18:24. From the first time we met in Dallas Texas as our grandson John’s “nannie” to the last time in her nicely furnished condo in Chashassen Minnesota—she was always Paula a part of our family.
James Alexander Kerr Jr

January 24, 2022

Bev and I are so sorry for your loss, please take comfort in your memories of Paula.
Thomas Casey

January 24, 2022

I’m sad to hear about Paula’s passing. She was such a sweetheart. My deepest sympathies to you all.
Lora Zangari

January 24, 2022

To Louise and the ENTIRE Souders family: If I weren’t so far away, I’d be with you to give you the comforting hugs I so long to give you in person. You all continue to be in my heart and prayers as you mourn the loss of your free-spirited Paula. She fought hard and enthusiastically. You are blessed to be part of such a beautiful and supportive family, as together you endured Paula’s battle. May you feel the love of all who know you and will continue to hold you in our thoughts and prayers.
Maria Formento

January 24, 2022

Dear Louise and family,
Thinking of you at this difficult time and praying for your comfort. Paula touched so many lives and though she’d been gone from Texas for quite some time, I can still see and feel the warmth of her beautiful smile. May God grant you the strength and comfort that only He provides. 
Sue Ann (Mussell) Holland-Vargas

January 24, 2022

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived. I well remember Paula’s attention, at Valerie’s wedding shower and again at the baby shower, to make sure I was making connections to who was who.  
Kathy McCord

January 24, 2022

  Having grown up with the Souders family on Fairview Ave. I was saddened to, by chance,  come across this notice of the passing of Paula! The Kirchner’s and Souder’s were very closely connected!  I wish for Louise and all the siblings and extended family to find peace in knowing that Paula is at peace!
Mary Ellen Kirchner Pluemer

January 23, 2022

My deepest sympathy to the entire Souders family and especially to my valued friend Tom Souders upon the loss of Paula.
May God grant you comfort and peace as you mourn this loss of your loved one. I hope your memories of happy times with Paula sustain you
John Boyer

January 23, 2022

Paula really was one of best neighbors that I had. She lived right next store to us & we had some times talking! Was so excited about getting a new neighbor the finding out who she was- a person who i knew for yrs. & yrs.. She was such a kind & caring gal esp. when it came to my son who had alot of procedures at Hershey every single time he would come home she would come over and a huge bag of M&M! Giving & caring about Justin.We will miss you so much but it at a better place saw her going down hill fast! Louise is a very wonderful mother raising all those children-  Its love she gave ❤ to her children – Will be miss her coming out of her garage & smiling to us- God bless you Paula you are the most beautiful angel up there in heaven.  
Deb& Greg Shaeffer & always Justin.

January 23, 2022

Louise and family 
Thinking of you at this difficult time and wishing you peace and comfort.  Paula was truly a bright light in your family and to all that were blessed to have known her.  May you find strength and comfort with family and friends that surround you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. 
Pat and Jim Souders 
 

January 22, 2022

Our hearts go out to Louise and family at the loss of their dear Paula.  We think of her bubbly spirit, infectious smile, and basketball skills and know she lived her life well, but is gone way too soon.  May her soul rest in peace.  
Sybil Souders

Visitation
Friday, January 28, 2022
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
St. Joseph's Catholic Church
440 St. Joseph St.
Lancaster, PA 17603
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Services
Friday, January 28, 2022
11:00 AM
St. Joseph's Catholic Church
440 St. Joseph St.
Lancaster, PA 17603
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
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