Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home

ROCKPORT - Paula Jessica McWilliams, 64, died peacefully Friday, July 17, 2015, surrounded by her family at the Sussman House in Rockport, due to complication of her ongoing battle with Alzheimer’s.
Born in Rockland, June 3, 1951, she was the daughter of Gilbert W., Sr. and Bessie Staples Collamore. She was a member of the first graduating class from Medomak Valley High School in 1969.
Paula’s early work experience included jobs at local fish factories, nursing homes, Sylvania’s in Waldoboro, Head Cook at The Trade Winds and Rockland High School. Later, with her sister April, she owned Jesse’s Café, and for a couple years was the owner of a second hand store.
In her later years she started breeding and raising Golden Retrievers, and ran a small daycare. She enjoyed taking care of all ten of her grandchildren.
Her family thought of Paula as the best Nanny ever. She enjoyed spending time with her daughters and especially her grandchildren. One of her favorite things to do was go to Dunkin Donuts and the Second Read for coffee with her girls. She loved shopping and taking special trips to Moody’s Diner with Apple, Laci, and Teresa. Paula loved her family very much and maintained close ties with them, hanging out with her sisters and brothers whenever she could. A smile was always on her face and she was the life of the party for sure. She loved dancing and playing music. Close friends and family often referred to Paula as “Little Bessie”.
A dedicated and devoted mother, she was extremely kind hearted, compassionate, would give you the proverbial ‘shirt off her back’, and feed every kid in the neighborhood.
Predeceased by her parents, Paula is survived by four daughters, B.J. McWilliams Commeau and her husband Heath Commeau of Rockland, Denita McWilliams of Thomaston, Pauline McWilliams and her fiancé Todd Conant of Rockport, Alicia McWilliams and her fiancé Benjie Blake of Warren; ten special grandchildren, Bryana McWilliams, Keagen McWilliams, Dalton Oakes, Kiara Robinson, Bailey McWilliams, Chloe Blake, Cade Robinson, Colton Robinson, Haley Blake, Quinn Commeau; two sisters, April P. DeVarney and her husband Bruce of Rockland, Kim Stillson and her husband Andy of Auburn; two brothers, Gilbert W. Collamore, Jr., Clinton Collamore Sr. and his wife Mary all of Waldoboro; her uncle George Staples of Florida;
special nieces and nephews: Paula, Brooke, Larry, Laci (Lassie) Jessie, Amy, Ben, Katie and CJ, as well as her loving companion of 33 years, Gary “Luke” Lucas of Rockland, and the loving father of her children, Bill McWilliams of Rockland.
Visiting hours will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, July 27th at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, where a funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday. Pastor Ray
Thombs will officiate. Interment will follow at the Rural Cemetery, Waldoboro.
Paula’s family wishes to share a special heartfelt thank you to the Sussman House in Rockport for excellent end of life care. A fund has been established in Paula’s name to help with final expenses at Camden National Bank, Attn: Donnaleen DiNapoli. Donations may be made at any branch office; or to Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841 (she loved her dogs, they were like her babies).
To share a memory or story with Paula's family, please visit her Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com .
Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.