Paula Gettino

Paula Szczygiel Gettino 65 of Kansas City, Missouri died Saturday July 18, 2015 in her home after a courageous 5 year battle against breast cancer. Michael, her husband of 33 years was at the bedside when she passed.Paula was born July 14, 1950 in Leavenworth, KS and grew up there. She attended St. Casmir elementary school, Immaculata High School and graduated from Kansas University in 1972, majoring in English.Never afraid to speak out, she immediately got involved with politics, doing volunteer work on a variety of local and national campaigns. She was also against the war in Viet Nam and worked with groups protesting that conflict.In 1976 she moved to Kansas City initially working in the advertising agency arena. But she had larger dreams. In 1979 she joined Hallmark Cards in their telemarketing division. By the time she retired 32 years had passed and she had made major contributions to Hallmark's success in their Frame, and Gold Crown Stores Divisions in both Marketing and Merchandising until she retired in December of 2011.Paula was always up to something, usually playing pranks on her brother who was 12 years her senior. Her dad taught her how to hunt, fish, swim, and play tennis, golf and baseball, things she would continue doing her entire life. Jazz was her music. Miles Davis was her favorite musician. She was also inquisitive, always searching or researching something. She was an excellent gardener, every year growing tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, and a variety of herbs in her own backyard. Paula loved to travel. She and her husband visited 48 states, several Canadian provinces and Italy, literally taking thousands of photos on these adventures.Paula always seemed to have the energy to help others. During her first rounds of chemo and radiation treatments she started crocheting and giving prayer shawls to other cancer patients she would never meet, because she wanted those patients to know there was someone else out there who cared.Paula was preceded in death by her parents Victor and Clara. Survivors include husband Michael Gettino of Kansas City, MO her husband of 33 years, Ron Szczygiel of Lees Summit, MO her brother, Sarah Gettino Owens daughter (wife of Kevin) of Kansas City, MO, and granddaughter Reagan Elizabeth Owens.A prayer service will be held at 6:00 PM with visitation to follow until 8:00 PM, Wednesday, July 22 at Visitation Church 5141 Main Street, Kansas City, MO. A Mass will be held Thursday, July 23 at 10:00 AM in Visitation Church, followed by a gathering of friends in Tighe Hall. For those who wish to attend, graveside services will be held at 1:30 PM, at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Lansing, KS. In lieu of flowers, donations to Mother's Refuge the Salvation Army, or Harvestors will be accepted.Paula's presence will be missed, and her spirit will not be forgotten.