Paula A. Krawczyk Sommers (Ott)

Paula A. (Ott) Krawczyk Sommers

Paula A. (Ott) Krawczyk Sommers passed away unexpectedly on April 17, 2023 from complications of Scleroderma/CREST Syndrome, of which she fought a courageous battle against for 45 years.

Paula was born on November 1, 1946, to Paul J. and Bernice (Petru) Ott in Chicago, Illinois and was a lifelong resident of Independence, Missouri. Paula attended the Nativity of BVM grade school and East High School where she made many lifelong friends. She graduated from the University of Missouri with a BA Degree in Education in 1969 and taught for Nativity BVM Grade School and the Independence and Blue Springs Public School districts before retiring.

After retirement, she traveled the world with her Barber Financial Group friends, visiting Spain, France, Greek Islands, Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium, Alaska, New Zealand, and Australia. Her comprehensive photo/scrap books stand as a pictorial reminder of her many journeys.

Paula met her first husband, William Krawczyk, at East High School and from that union they were blessed with two sons, Michael, and Mark. Paula later married Don Sommers. Paula had a deep love for her sons, grandchildren, and entire family. She also loved all animals, large and small. She cherished her dear pets, Rowdy and Bella while holding the memories of her past dogs, cats and horses ever close to her heart, and could identify every bird visiting her array of feeders outside her kitchen windows.

Paula was an extraordinary baker preparing all year for her annual Christmas baked good production. Her Christmas cookies (especially her press cookies) were renown among family and friends who looked forward to the season for a taste. So much so she was prodded into making them for other holidays and special occasions. She had recently started sharing her craft with others in the family, most recently by making Oreo Balls with her youngest granddaughters.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother. Survivors include son and daughter-in-law Michael & Kelly Krawczyk, Independence, MO, and their daughters Taya and Kearston McGinnis, son and daughter-in-law Mark & Rebecca Krawczyk, Darlington, MO, and their daughters Tilley and Elizabeth, her brother Ronald J. Ott and wife Patsy, and their sons Matthew Ott & wife Kena and their children Lillian and Eden, and Tyler Ott & wife Ashley and their children Finley and Monroe.

She will be remembered fondly and sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.

A celebration of Paula's life will take place Friday, April 21st from 5-7pm at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 39th Street, Independence, MO. Cremation is planned with family inurnment next to her parents at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, to take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations in Paula's name to: The ASPCA and/or The National Scleroderma Foundation.