Paula Mulligan

MULLIGAN, PAULA D. Paula D. Mulligan of Grand Rapids, compassionate and kind-hearted wife and mother of four, passed away on Sunday evening after her hard-fought battle with kidney cancer. Paula put the concerns of others before her own, faith before comfort, and love and affection before all else. Paula was born in Franklin, PA in December 1943, and she attended St. Mary's College in South Bend, Indiana, where she met and fell in love with, Larry, her lifelong companion and confidant. They were married in November 1966. Paula spent the early years of her married life as a second and third grade teacher in Maryland and Virginia, and taught in an all African-American school in the first year in which the state allowed desegregation of teachers. In 1968, Paula moved to Grand Rapids, where she was an anchor of the Catholic community and dedicated her life to her husband, family, and faith. Paula is survived by her best friend and loving husband of 45 years, Lawrence P. Mulligan; four sons, Kenneth (Teresa) Mulligan, Timothy Mulligan, Daniel (Sarah) Mulligan, M.D., Stephen (Katrina) Mulligan; grandchildren, Molly and Sean Mulligan; sisters, Katherine (James) McComb, Angela (John M.D.) Murphy; and brother, Robert (Gail) Dale M.D.; and many nieces and nephews. For those who would like to celebrate Paula's life and legacy, Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 29 at St. Stephen Catholic Church with Fr. Paul Milanowski as celebrant. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to HELP Pregnancy Crisis Aid, 750 Bridge St., Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (http://helppregnancy.org/) or St. Stephen Catholic Church. The family will greet relatives and friends from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 28 at the funeral home. The family is being served by: