Paula Lally (Madison)

Paula Marie Madison was born to Milo and Ann (Quinlivan) Madison in Sioux Falls, S.D. on October 21, 1950. After a lifetime of excellent health, Paula passed away unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm on October 3, 2013 in Sioux City, Ia.
A devoted daughter, sister, wife and mother, Paula selflessly opened her heart and home to family and friends with an ease of hospitality, charm and sincerity that will be greatly missed. Paula’s scholastic achievements and faith formation bloomed throughout her grade school years in Sioux City at Immaculate Conception and continued on at Bishop Heelan Catholic High School, where she graduated in 1968. Raised in a household with her two older brothers, James and Robert, Paula learned at an early age how to handle boys, from rolling with the punches of roughhousing to becoming a nurturing mother hen.
The influences of the Blessed Mother shaped her maternal instincts, preparing Paula for a lifetime vocation as a wife, mother and caretaker of God’s creatures, including the winged- and four-legged ones. From birds, to cats, dogs, horses and livestock, Paula was an “animal whisperer” whose caretaking instincts compelled her to serve as a custodian to all of God’s earthly creations. Whether cultivating her garden, appreciating nature or caring for animals, Paula was an outdoors enthusiast who loved horseback riding and driving the countryside in her little red truck.
Finding grace and goodness in the teachings of the patron saint of animals and the environment, St. Francis of Assisi, Paula crossed paths, fortuitously or via divine intervention with her own Francis some 40 years ago. Michael Francis Lally, of Denison, and Paula were united in Holy Matrimony at Immaculate Conception Church on February 23, 1974. Through their union, Paula and Mike were blessed with five sons, two of whom survived infancy: Ryan and Robert. Throughout nearly four decades of marriage, Paula and Mike celebrated life’s joys and jubilations and the heartbreaks and hardships with the help of their faith, family and friends.
Wearing many hats on her mane of thick hair, Paula attended business college in Omaha, earning an associate of arts degree; farmed for a decade with her husband from 1974-1984; worked as an office manager in the communications and transportation industry from 1984-2011; and shared her love of life, laughter and legacy of welcome with all those with whom she came into contact. Neither stranger or friend was turned away from her table.
For the previous two years, Paula was a full-time homemaker, gardener and hostess, tending a beautiful St. Francis Peace Garden and continuing an annual Christmas Eve Oyster Supper for family and friends. An avid reader, Paula was known to read a book a day, including those of her favorite author, Tom Clancy, watching movies and playing social media games. Satisfying a touch of wanderlust, Paula enjoyed vacations with her family and visits to her brother in Florida. A fervent sports fan, Paula took pride in the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. Nothing trumped this sport enthusiast’s passion for her boys’ sporting events. Paula’s world revolved around “her boys”: Mike, Ryan and Rob. She never missed a single sporting event in which her sons participated and gave them a daily phone call to check in and wish them a “wonderful day.” In Paula’s eyes, the sun rose and set on her beloved boys. And in the eyes of her family, she was morning, noon and night.
Throughout a lifetime of work, sacrifice and loss, Paula’s friends and family will long remember her as a survivor who enjoyed life to its fullest in the face of adversity. Admired for her bone-deep faith, honesty, generosity, good will, good mood, big heart, penmanship, contagious laugh, humility and acceptance of others, Paula embraced life with all of its peaks and valleys without complaint.
In a final gift of generosity, Paula has donated tissue and eyes to the Iowa Donor Network so that others may enjoy life on earth to its fullest.
She is survived by her husband Michael F. Lally, of Lawton, IA.; Ryan Michael Lally and special friend Tamra Rector, of Omaha, NE.; Robert Jerard and daughter-in-law Jill Lally of Omaha, NE.; her brothers James Madison, Holmes Beach, FL.; Robert (Woody) Madison and sister-in-law Janet, of Bronson, IA.; father-in-law John P. Lally, Jr., Denison, IA.; sister-in-law Mary & Chuck Daniel of Charter Oak, IA; brother-in-law Pat & Jane Lally of Denison, IA; brother-in-law Denny Lally of Denison, IA; brother-in-law Joseph & Carol Lally of Denison, IA; brother-in-law Jerry & Patty Lally, Denison, IA; sister-in-law Eileen & Joel Sailer of Schleswig, IA; sister-in-law Jane & Warren Brown of Granger, IA; and a host of nieces; nephews; godchildren; and many, many friends and co-workers.
Paula is preceded in death by her parents; and mother-in-law, Regina Owens Lally, of Denison, Ia.; May all of those who mourn the unexpected loss of this wonderful wife and mother take comfort in knowing Paula is holding tightly to her three infant sons who also preceded her into Heaven: Michael Francis II (1974), Francis Paul (1977) and John Joseph (1980).
Paula’s entry to Eternal life on Oct. 3, 2013 coincides with the observance of the death of St. Francis on Oct. 3, 1226. As a lifelong Catholic who found strength in her faith and the teachings of St. Francis, may her loved ones find a measure of peace in the words attributed to St. Francis and reflected throughout Paula’s life on earth: "Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received, but only what you have given: a full heart, enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage."