Paula Fitzpatrick

Paula Gail Fitzpatrick (nee Terry), 67, of Lorain, passed away Monday, May 11, 2026 at Mercy New Life Hospice following a lengthy illness.

She was born September 13, 1958 in Memphis, Tennessee, and had made her home in Lorain for the past 33 years after moving from Vermilion.

Paula was a 1976 graduate of Vermilion High School, where she proudly participated in the Sailor Marching Band. She worked for AVI Vending Company as a vending attendant for 13 years, retiring in 2010.

A devoted woman of faith, Paula was a member of The River Church in Amherst and had grown up attending Lakeview Baptist Church in Vermilion. She generously gave of her time and talents throughout her life, serving as an Assistant Cub Scout Master and Boy Scout Master with Troop 409.

Paula found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved baking both treasured family recipes and trying new ones, creating plastic canvas crafts, gardening, fishing, reading, and spending time outdoors. She had a special love for animals and cherished every moment spent with her children and grandchildren, who were the center of her world. Paula will be remembered for her kind heart, caring spirit, and the love she shared so freely with family and friends.

She is survived by her loving husband of 32 years, Richard Fitzpatrick of Lorain; sons, Blake Fitzpatrick and Christopher Patterson; daughter, Krista (Shawn) Patterson Hammer; mother, Polly Anna Terry of Vermilion; grandchildren, Wyatt, Isaac, Leah, Clara, Elsa, Caydence, Caleb, and Kinsley; and her sister, Dianne Terry of Vermilion.

She was preceded in death by her father, Clifford Alexander Terry; her brother, Douglass Herron Terry; and her stepson, Brandon Fitzpatrick.

The family will receive friends Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Lakeview Baptist Church, 591 Ferndale Ave., Vermilion, Ohio. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Vermilion.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Friendship Animal Protective League of Lorain County, Inc., 8303 Murray Ridge Road, Elyria, OH 44035.

Online condolences may be made at Riddle Funeral Home