Cynthia Ann Smith Pauler OBITUARY
Cynthia Ann Smith Pauler OBITUARY
Cynthia Ann Smith Pauler, 82, died at home on July 26, 2024. Cynthia, or Cindy as everyone knew her, was a lifelong native of Portsmouth, VA, born on September 8, 1941 to the late Clifford and Helen Smith.
Cindy was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Michael E. Pauler; brothers Garland, Clifford “Sonny”, and Thomas “Boo” Smith. Left to cherish her memories are daughters Elizabeth “Beth Ann” and Emily; sister Helen Marie Nelson, all of Portsmouth; brother William H. Smith of Florida; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends.
After graduating from St. Paul’s High School in 1959, Cindy began working as a legal secretary at Schlitz and Levy, the start of a fifty-plus year career at various law firms in Portsmouth. She was named Legal Secretary of the Year for Virginia in 1968 and became the one to call on whenever you had a question. If she didn’t know, she could tell you who would. In addition to helping countless clients, Cindy was a lifelong member of St. Paul Catholic Church; she was active over the years within the church, as well as the Catholic Daughters of America and the Women’s Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus, Council 418.
In addition to graduating from St. Paul’s High School, she was a staunch advocate and volunteer at Portsmouth Catholic Elementary and High Schools. She was president of the PTA during her daughters’ time at the elementary school; president of the Athletic Association during their high school years; and most recently was an active member of the school board for Portsmouth Catholic Regional School.
Most of all, Cindy will always be remembered for her kindness and generosity in helping others. She was always the first to volunteer to make food for an event—or to take charge in organizing the whole thing. She was famous for her brownies and pound cake, which were her signature contribution to any gathering. Her thoughtfulness and giving spirit will be greatly missed.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, at Foster Funeral Home, 1926 High St., Portsmouth. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 1, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 522 High St., Portsmouth, with a visitation an hour prior. Burial will follow at Olive Branch Cemetery, with a reception immediately after at the Church of the Resurrection, 3501 Cedar Ln., Portsmouth.
Memorial donations may be made to the St. Paul Restoration Fund, c/o 3501 Cedar Ln., Portsmouth, VA 23703, or to Portsmouth Catholic Regional School, 2301 Oregon Ave., Portsmouth, VA 23701. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.
