Paula J. Stockman, 64, of South Dayton, NY, died peacefully
in her home on Saturday, January 13, 2018.
She was born March 2, 1953, in Cuba NY, to the late Paul
(Jake) and Mary Kruger.
She was the first of four children; her siblings Karen
(Michael) Farwell, Karl (Marsha) Kruger and Gail (Daniel Frank) Kruger survive.
Paula grew up in Friendship, NY. At a very young age (12)
she began playing the piano in her father's Big Band, The Clubmen. She also
enjoyed being the church organist at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church and the
First Baptist Church in Friendship as a teenager, and accompanying the school
chorus on piano. Her family's love of music is how she became introduced to her
sweetheart and lifelong companion, Timmie J. Stockman, as he was a music
student of her father's. They were childhood and high school sweethearts, and
they continued to play music together for 40 years, entertaining at various
clubs with their Little Big Band and playing special music together at their
church, St. Mary's Episcopal Church, in Gowanda, where she was the organist for
almost 40 years.
Paula earned her Bachelor's Degree at SUNY Fredonia, during
which time she studied abroad in France. She and Tim got married in 1975. They
bought their home in South Dayton in 1979 and began the "labor of
love," working together to renovate the property. She briefly taught math
in the public school system prior to committing her time to her family as a
stay-at-home-mother. She enjoyed
spending time with her children, Troy and Kendra, and became involved in
several activities with the children. She was a Girl Scout leader and also
became involved in the Boy Scouts. She was also known as "Mama
Stockman" to several of the kids at Pine Valley Central School, who still
come "home" from time to time for some meatloaf.
Paula became the Village Clerk in South Dayton in the early
1990s. She also had the opportunity to serve her community as a Legislator for
Cattaraugus County, where, in the latest few years, she was elected the
Chairman. Paula continued to hold these
positions until her death.
Paula was a Christian woman with unwavering faith. She loved
to help others, and she was always seeking out individuals who needed assistance.
She ministered to the sick, the elderly, and anyone who needed her help. She
believed in truth, honesty, and integrity. She enjoyed being a member of the
American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliaries, and she was an active
member of the Friendship Homecomers Association Committee for 18 years.
Surviving are her husband of 42 years, Timmie J. Stockman,
whom she married October 18, 1975; two children: Troy (Courtney Aquila)
Stockman of Collins NY, and Kendra (Dennis Brooks) Stockman of Jamestown NY,
three grandchildren: Lily Nuwer, Tiller Stockman, and Riley Brooks.
Relatives and friends may visit DiStasio Funeral Home 478
route 83 at Balcom Corners, South Dayton Thursday from 2- 4PM and 7-9PM. A
funeral Service will take place Friday at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church 75 Center
St. Gowanda, NY at 11 a.m.
Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.
