Paula LaCroix

Mrs. Paula S. LaCroix, 69, of Salamanca, NY, died Friday evening, May 31, 2019, at Buffalo General Hospital following a short illness.

Born July 28, 1949 in Salamanca, NY, she was the daughter of the late Gordon and Elizabeth Kuhanek Schultz. She was married June 12, 1971, at the former Kissinger United Methodist Church to Mr. Terry LaCroix, who survives.

She was a graduate of Randolph High School Class of 1967, and earned her Associate’s Degree from Bryant & Stratton College in Buffalo, NY. After her family was raised, Paula earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling through Empire State College.

She had been employed with the Salamanca Central School System for over 30 years, retiring in 2016. She was formerly employed as a legal secretary for the Congdon, Perreault, Dohl & Rickert law offices and the former Hornburg Diggs & Hornburg law firm, and as a teller at the former Salamanca Trust Company.

Paula’s past several years revolved around her grandchildren and their many events. She looked forward to the annual LaCroix spring family vacation in St. Augustine, FL, from which they had just recently returned. Growing up in Allegany State Park gave her the experience of attending a one-room schoolhouse up to fourth grade. In the Park, she enjoyed attending dances at the Park Pavilion, downhill skiing in the Bova Area, as well as cross-country skiing on the Art Roscoe Trails. She also enjoyed walking, biking and rollerblading around Red House Lake, and golfing.

She attended the Believer’s Chapel in Olean, NY and was a member of the Elkdale Country Club.

Surviving besides her husband are: a daughter, Kristin LaCroix, Salamanca, NY; two sons, Michael (Terra) LaCroix, Allegany, NY, Daniel LaCroix, Great Valley, NY; two granddaughters, Chloee LaCroix, Allegany, NY, Quinnley LaCroix, Great Valley, NY; five grandsons, Grayson and Kullan McGonnell, Salamanca, NY, Chance LaCroix, Allegany, NY, Jaxson and Mason LaCroix, Great Valley, NY; a sister, Pamela Sturdevant, Salamanca, NY; a brother, Gordon “Ozz” (Sylvia) Schultz, Salamanca, NY; several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY on Monday, June 3, 2019 from 5 – 8 p.m., and Tuesday from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Riverside Chapel, 134 Broad Street, Salamanca, NY with Rev. Michael Lonto, pastor of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, officiating.

Burial will be in Steamburg Cemetery.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.