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It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Paula Ann (Harakal) Fish, who passed away peacefully at her home on July 16, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born on December 12, 1966, to Linda Jewell.
In 1981, Paula met the love of her life, Kevin Fish, at the game room on Andover Square. Their chance meeting grew into a lifetime of love, and they were married in 1988. Together they built a beautiful life centered on faith in one another, family, and countless cherished memories.
Paula’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She devoted herself to raising her children, choosing to stay home with them until they were grown. Only then did she begin her career at Glenbeigh, where she worked in the housekeeping department for nearly 20 years. She was admired for her dedication, strong work ethic, and kind heart.
She had an infectious sense of humor and an unwavering optimistic outlook on life. Even during life's greatest challenges, she found reasons to smile and made those around her feel loved and encouraged.
Nothing brought her more happiness than spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. On her days off, she treasured taking them to Deer Park during the summer, creating memories they will carry with them forever. She also loved taking them to the library to pick out books that she would read with them, hoping to instill in them the same love of reading that she had. While her efforts were, by her own admission, largely unsuccessful, those quiet moments together became cherished memories all the same. No one, especially her grandchildren, ever left her home feeling hungry. The moment they walked through the door, she was already offering snacks, healthy and unhealthy alike, making sure everyone was well fed before they left.
She loved the peace and beauty of the beach and could often be found strolling the shoreline in search of shells and beach glass. She and Kevin celebrated many anniversaries together in Ocean City, Maryland, and she treasured family vacations to the Outer Banks and Kauai, places that reflected her love of the ocean and time spent with those she loved most. She also had a deep love for animals and a gentle heart for every creature, finding joy in their companionship and always showing them kindness and compassion.
Paula also enjoyed losing herself in a good Stephen King novel or movie and was a lifelong fan of classic rock. The music of AC/DC, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aerosmith, ZZ Top, and REO Speedwagon was often the soundtrack to her life, reflecting her fun-loving spirit and appreciation for the music she grew up with.
She is lovingly survived by her mother, Linda Jewell; her devoted husband of 38 years, Kevin Fish; her children, Jessica (Larry) Detweiler and Adam (Kristy) Fish; and her beloved grandchildren, Jack, Kyle, and Owen Detweiler, who were the light of her life. She is also survived by her sisters, Tammy (Todd) Hovatter, Nikole (Scott) Kaderly, and Natalie (Rick) Heath, along with many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Leonard and Claudia Jewell, and her beloved sister, Sheri Lanzara.
She leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love, quiet strength, compassion, laughter, and selfless devotion to her family. Her warmth touched everyone who knew her, and while her absence leaves an immeasurable void, her love and the countless memories she created will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.
In accordance with her wishes, private services will be held. A celebration of Paula’s life will be announced and held at a later date.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Reserve Care Hospice for their exceptional kindness, unwavering support, and exemplary care throughout Paula's illness. Their comfort, dignity, and compassion brought great peace to Paula and her family during a difficult time, and their kindness will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ashtabula County Animal Protective League, 5970 Green Road, Ashtabula, Ohio 44004, or by calling (440) 224-1222, in honor of Paula's lifelong love of animals.
For additional information regarding services, please contact Lake Erie Cremation & Funeral Services at www.lakeeriecremationandfuneralservices.com or by phone at (440) 361-2273.
"Those we love never truly leave us. They live on in every story we tell, every memory we cherish, and every act of love they taught us."
Lake Erie Cremation & Funeral Services, 1500 Harpersfield Rd, Geneva, OH 44041, assisted the family with arrangements.
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