Paula J. Mindiola

It’s with a heavy heart we say goodbye to our dear mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Paula Jean (nee Weber) Mindiola. Born in Waukesha, on March 29th, 1940, she had fond memories of a wonderful childhood on Windsor Avenue in downtown Waukesha.

After graduating from Wauwatosa High School, she moved to Waukesha, married John Mindiola, and started a family. A busy, young mother with 6 children, Paula was her kids’ “biggest cheerleader” in their sports and endeavors. The Mindiolas also made room for countless foster kids. With the birth of her sixth child, Andrea, who has spina bifida, Paula devoted her time and energy to advocating for children with disabilities. She started a religious education class at St. Joe’s for children with special needs. In 1982, Paula and Andrea moved to Phoenix. Having had many jobs, she was most proud of establishing and managing a living and training center for young adults under the Arizona Spina Bifida Association.

Paula is survived by her children: Joe (Cindy) and their children Kirstin, Joe and Kaitlin; Tony (Jaye) and their children Kaleena (Ed) Nuedling and Kyle (Crystal); John Jr. (Ramona) and their child John III (Tracy); Terese Mindiola Andino, and her children Derek, Travis and Ryan; Michael (Kelly) and their children, Madison, Marissa, Max and Mikayla; and Andrea Mindiola.

She is also survived by great-grandchildren Zoe, Jayce, and Piper Nuedling; Kaylee and Cooper Mindiola; Christian and Julianna Mindiola; and Easton Andino; brother, Bill (Valerie) Weber; sister, Andrea Crowley; and many nieces and nephews.

Paula will be greeted in heaven by parents, Paul Weber and Mabel (nee Borchardt) Weber; sisters, Mary (Reuben) Frank and Virginia Tognaci; and granddaughter, Sarah (Mike) Barse.

Paula loved to reminisce about the old days, watch cowboy movies and talk with family and friends. She had a big heart and was a friend to anyone she met. She was an excellent seamstress, often sewing clothes for Andrea. She also loved quilting and cheering on the Packers and Brewers.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on August 31, 2024, at North Pillar Brewing, Waukesha, from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.