Paula J. Leigh

Paula J. Leigh (nee Phillips), age 85, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026. Beloved wife of Kevin A. for 56 years; loving mother of Kevin P. (Pam), Matthew (Margaret), Mya (Laura Lobotsky), Maureen, Patrick (Alaina Jackson), and Brendan; the best grandmother to Ocean (Faye Forester), Courtney (Nic Adkins), Kevin F.(Tatum), Abby (Trevor Borland), Mandy, Owen and Gabe; daughter of the late Paul J. and Margaret (nee Slaminka) Phillips; sister of the late David (Susan) and Barbara (deceased). Loving Aunt to many in her extended family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Paula’s memory be made to Holy Family Hospice holyfamilyhome.com or to St. Charles Borromeo Church.

Mass of Christian Burial at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 5891 Ridge Road, Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 9:30a.m. Please meet at church. Funeral mass to be livestreamed – St. Charles Borromeo in Parma, Ohio (YouTube). Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. Family and friends received at Zabor Funeral Home, 5680 Pearl Road, Friday, April 10 from 2-7 P.M.

Paula attended St. Charles Borromeo School, Lourdes Academy and Detroit Mercy College, where she graduated with a degree in Education. 

A longtime parishioner of St. Charles Borromeo, Paula was a teacher/educator at St. Charles for over 60 years. She was an active member at the parish, where she volunteered with the summer Carnival, Fish Fry and Sports Boosters Club. She was inducted into the Sports Boosters Hall of Fame in 2006.

Throughout their marriage, Paula and Kevin demonstrated the importance of family first, practicing this through kindness and faith. She enjoyed her annual family trips to the Outer Banks, spending vacation time with everyone in the sun, at the pool and all in the same house. 

An avid fan of Cleveland sports teams, especially her Cleveland Guardians; she also spent many days and nights cheering on her children and grandchildren at their sporting events.

She was the host to many holidays, birthdays, and special events - in her way, showing care and attention to those that she loved so dearly. She will be missed by her family and friends, especially her ‘church ladies’ group.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.