SCARBOROUGH- Paula Coyle of Scarborough, Maine, died at her home on Sunday, December
1st, 2024, surrounded by love, after a short journey with ovarian cancer.
Born February 18, 1958, in New Canaan, CT, Paula's early life was shaped by
a deep sense of civic duty and respect for the environment. Her dedication for
service blossomed through Girl Scouting and summers spent working as a
Youth Conservation Corps volunteer. Her stewardship of nature and
commitment to community building remained core values throughout her
work and life.
Paula graduated from Allegheny College in 1980, where she remained for
two decades in various leadership roles. Her time at Allegheny culminated
in her position as Associate Dean of Students and International Student
Advisor. A beloved mentor to many, she forged enduring friendships
across the world and as an enthusiastic traveler was fortunate enough to
visit many of those friends over the years.
After receiving a master’s degree in Intercultural Relations from Lesley
College she spent the next twenty years working at various Boston
nonprofits, including City Year, Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology,
Citizen Schools, and Tenacity. Paula’s kindness and genuine compassion
allowed her to find and love the best in everyone, and working with people,
especially young people, was one of her greatest superpowers. Many future
leaders emerged from her thoughtful guidance.
In 2018, Paula and her beloved Gary moved to Maine, her lifelong dream.
There she worked as a senior volunteer recruitment specialist for the
American Red Cross and continued to be a fierce advocate and social
justice leader, avid gardener, and proud National Weather Service weather
spotter # CU-261.
Predeceased by her parents Carol (Grupe) and John F. Coyle, she is
survived by her husband Gleason (Gary) Rand III, sister Sara Tinnesz of
Trumbull, CT, niece Emily Tinnesz of Denver, CO, nephew Andrew
Tinnesz of Tacoma, WA, brother-in-law Stephen Rand of Palm Springs,
CA, many cherished cousins and a multitude of friends.
Those who wish to are welcome to join in a Celebration of Paula’s Life
on Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at the Event Barn of Flaherty’s Family Farm, 123 Payne Rd. in Scarborough, Maine.
In lieu of flowers, perhaps consider a donation to an organization dear
to Paula’s heart: Mano en Mano, Hospice of Southern Maine, The
Dempsey Center, Turning the Tides Ovarian Cancer Retreats, World
Wildlife Fund, or The American Red Cross.