Paula Olguin Obituary

Paula Olguin: A Life Rich in Love, Laughter, and Legacy

Paula Olguin, a woman whose life was a vibrant tapestry woven with love, laughter, and unwavering strength, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, February 15, 2025, the same day as her beloved sister, Shirley Haidusek, six years prior. Born in Dayton, Texas, on November 29, 1940, to Wilda (Moore) and Alfred "Red" Meacham, Paula was one of six children, a sister to four women and one brother.

Her early life in Dayton, though marked by hardship, was filled with the warmth of family and the joy of shared experiences. After graduating from Dayton High School, Paula embarked on a new chapter in Houston, where she raised her three children, Clay, Kari, and Christine, with her husband, Winston C. Padgett. Their family life was an adventure, filled with camping trips, hunting expeditions, and canoeing adventures on the Neches River, Village Creek, and Eagle Creek. Paula was the heart of their home, a resourceful homemaker who could stretch a dime and create magic. Her creative spirit shone through in her passion for sewing clothes for her family and designing intricate stained glass projects with Winston. Her kitchen was a place of warmth and delicious aromas, where she delighted in creating memorable meals.

Paula's intellectual curiosity led her to Lamar University, where she earned a degree in Chemistry. She then broke barriers at DuPont, starting as a chemist and rising to become their first female Industrial Hygienist-a pioneering achievement in a field dominated by men.

In 1985, Paula married Jorge C. Olguin, expanding her family to include his children; Andy, Kelly, and Cris. After retiring from DuPont, Paula and Jorge designed their dream home in Clarkdale, Arizona, a haven nestled amidst the breathtaking views of Sedona and the Mingus Mountains. Known for her generous spirit, Paula dedicated her time to serving others. She sewed costumes for special needs children at a local theater and volunteered at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and school.

Retirement brought Paula the simple pleasures she cherished: sipping coffee on her back porch, enjoying a cigarette, and losing herself in the pages of a good book. An avid reader, she devoured murder mysteries, non-fiction works, and historical novels. Her quick wit and infectious laughter were her hallmarks, endearing her to all who knew her. She maintained close connections with her surviving sisters, Ouida and Wilda, cherishing their daily chats. In the months prior to her passing, she greatly enjoyed visits from all of her children, grand-children and great-grand-children. Those visits were filled with laughter and stories of growing up. Though she was ready for her rest, she held on fiercely to the connections that meant the world to her.

Paula was preceded in death by her parents, Wilda and Alfred Meacham; her husband, Jorge C. Olguin; her brother, Mel Meacham; and her sisters, Ella Rose Crisp and Shirley D. Haidusek.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and family: her sisters, Ouida Hopkins and Wilda Meacham; her children, Clay Rigby and his wife, Suzanne; Kari Padgett and her husband, Mark Trammell; Christine Padgett-Murphy; Andy Olguin and his wife, Carrie; Kelly Olguin Jaakkola and Cris Olguin. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Zack Rigby and his wife, Amy; Samantha Rigby-Lakey and her husband, Troy; Avery Ann Whitworth; Ashley Whitworth Beecher, her husband Clark; Max Murphy, his wife Hannah; Keagan Murphy; Kallie Olguin; Nia Jaakkola; and her great-grandchildren, Cole and Nora Rigby; Wacey Tate Lakey; Charlotte, Annie, Hazel, and Whit Beecher. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and their children, as well as her dear friend and honorary brother, Jeff Leonard.

The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to Senior Helpers of Flagler Beach, Florida for their compassionate, round-the-clock care. They also thank Paula's neighbors for their daily acts of kindness and support. A special thank you to her granddaughter, Avery, a hospice nurse in Houston, Texas, for her unwavering love, support, and guidance. Paula departed this world knowing she was deeply loved, having shared precious moments with her family. She will be profoundly missed.

Condolences can be shared by visiting: https://www.dalewoodwardfuneralhomes.com/

Paula requested that no memorial service be held, but instead asked that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hardin Chapel Cemetery in Liberty, Texas; the ALS association, Lewy Body Dementia Association or your local SPCA.

https://www.als.org/

https://www.dementiasociety.org/donate

https://www.spcai.org/