Paula McFadden Frye
February 15, 1943 ~ December 1, 2013
Paula McFadden Frye, passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2013, at Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids. Private family services were held. Arrangements are with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. Paula was a mother, a nurse, and a friend. Born in Elkins, West Virginia in 1943, and grew up in the southern part of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She graduated from West Virginia University in 1964, earning a Bachelor of Nursing. She married and adopted a baby boy in Denver, Colorado, who they named Paul after her father. She attended Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, earning a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in mental health. She divorced, returned to West Virginia, remarried and moved to Columbus, Ohio, where she had her second son, Neil. She practiced nursing in private practice with her second husband delivering therapeutic mental health care in Fairmont, West Virginia. In 1982, she divorced and moved the boys to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, beginning a teaching career at Mount Mercy College where she helped many nursing students learn the basics and foster others' passion for mental health care until 1988. Paula returned to hospital care and practiced nursing at Mercy Medical Center where she advocated for a more sustainable model of mental health care supporting the hospital's outpatient mental health program. She retired from Mercy Medical Center in 2000. In retirement, Paula enjoyed gardening, listening to music and traveling to visit wherever Neil decided to land next. Paula's passion for life, thoughtful nature and a witty sense of humor touched everyone she met. She often said her greatest accomplishment was raising two men who were thoughtful, caring and made a difference in this world. Paula is survived by her sister, Rita Kathryn Yonker of Bloomington, Minnesota; sons, Paul William Collins of Cedar Rapids, and Neil Edward Frye of San Francisco, California; daughter-in-law, Sherrie Collins; granddaughter, Emma Collins; and many friends.
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I loved meeting Paula, Paul and Neil when they moved into my neighborhood in 1982-can’t believe it was that long ago. I loved Paula’s laugh-all of us had many laughable experiences. Yes, Paula did raise 2 fine men who make this world a better place. She was loved by her nursing students as well. Now she’ll be watching over all of us from heaven. My wish is PEACE for everyone affected by her loss.
Deepest sympathy to PW Collins and the rest of the family. Out thoughts are with you guys.
Debbie & Doug Conley & Family
Paul, Neil, Sherry, and Emma,
Please know that your mom and grandmother loved each of you very much. You were her pride and joy above all of her accomplishments, and her reason for living.
Her life ended too soon, but she is now at peace and in much better place that we can not even imagine.
Stay in touch, and remember all the good times.
Know that she was loved.
What a beautiful tribute to your mom, Paul! She should be proud of the boys she raised, as I know you as nothing more than caring, understanding and a great teacher! May she rest in peace with her mission in life to continue and believed in, as mental health is such a misunderstood area. I’ve never met her, but looking at her smile, she looks like someone a person should get to know.
Paul, Sherrie, and Emma,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom sounds like an amazing woman, Paul. Her spirit radiates through her picture. Devoting one’s life to nursing, especially in the mental health field, is quite a gift and legacy.
You are a shining example of the qualities she seemed to value so greatly. Your compassion shines through in your teaching. That is a legacy that will last a lifetime.
Take care of yourselves and know that your FMI family is thinking of you.
Keeping you in my prayers,
Amanda
Thinking of you during this difficult time. Prayers and hugs to you and your family.
I enjoyed working with Paula so very much. She was such a good nurse!!
Judith A. Barvinek
The faculty and staff of the Department of Nursing at Mount Mercy University send our sincere condolences to Paula’s family. She was a thoughtful, kind instructor and influenced many students to puruse careers in mental health nursing. Paul and Neil, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
PW, Neil, Sherrie, & Emma,
With a sad heart I learned of Paula’s death and I extend to you my deepest sympathy. Paula’s kind, caring concern for others will be missed by all. Life for Paula was complex, but she rallied to each challenge. She was sincere in her relationships with patients, friends and family. As a professional nurse, she effectively provided therapeutic measures to assist those in her care through their times of illness. I rest in the faith that Paula has now found peace which she definitely deserves.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Paul, Sherrie, Emma and Neil. May God give you peace, comfort and healing at this difficult time. Hold on to the precious memories of your mom and keep Aunt Kitty close to your heart. Prayer will get us through. Tom and I love you all.