Paula Susan McQueen

Paula Susan McQueen, age 66, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 4, 2016. Paula was born in Racine, Wisconsin on December 20, 1949, the third of four children of John C. and Barbara F. (Nee: Pramer) Praninsky, both of whom preceded her in death.

Paula attended St. Rose Catholic School for her elementary education and was a 1968 graduate of St. Catherine’s High School. Paula attended Gateway Technical College and received her Licensed Practical Nurse degree in 1970. Upon graduation, Paula began a lengthy career as a health care professional through what would ultimately become the Wheaton Franciscan Health Care System. Her first position called for her to work in Labor and Delivery at the St. Luke’s campus where she would support and encourage the soon-to-be mothers. Paula spent many years in that capacity but ultimately expanded her experience to a number of other areas of practice, most importantly the role of Mom.

On September 29, 1979, at the First United Methodist Church in Racine, Paula was united in marriage to Robert B. McQueen. Of this union, was born three children, Robert Paul McQueen, Megan Elizabeth McQueen and Kelly Maureen McQueen.

In her retirement, as through her early life, Paula enjoyed most being in the company of her children and extended family. Her interests included shopping, cats and smoking. Perhaps her greatest life-long interest (make that obsession) was the Green Bay Packers. Her home was decked out as if she expected Bart Starr, Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers to drop in for coffee at any minute. She made her initial visit to the Frozen Tundra on a January day when the wind chill was -10. For the past seven years she has proudly claimed the “Packer Paula” name in her sister’s football pool.

Paula leaves to cherish her memory her three children: Robert P. (Amy) McQueen of Racine, Megan E. (Benjamin) McQueen-Stewart of Minneapolis, MN, Kelly M. (Tony) Kotowicz of Racine. She is further survived by her former husband, Robert B. McQueen; brothers and sister, John C. Praninsky Jr., William G. (Suellen) Praninsky, Carolyn Bongo Praninsky; and nephew, Timothy Bart Becker. Perhaps the most convincing evidence of God’s plan to have us carry on, even in the face of unexpected sadness, is the birth two weeks ago of Paula’s first grandchild, Elroy Herman McQueen-Stewart. Although Paula had not yet seen this new member of the next generation, she was excited beyond belief and as happy as any grandmother could possibly be. Elroy was born on August 20, 2016 in Minneapolis and had planned a road trip with his parents for later this month. She is further survived by several brothers-in-law, John C, Hewitt, Timothy Becker, other relatives and dear friends.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, September 9, 2016, 6:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Friday at the funeral home from 4:00 P.M. until time of service at 6:00 P.M. Memorials to the Wisconsin Humane Society Racine Chapter have been suggested.