The complications were simply too great.

 

Paula Cecelia (MacDonald) Likely passed peacefully away at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, surrounded by her family.

 

Born on January 1, 1955, Paula was the eldest child of Phyllis (Hughes) and the late Frank MacDonald. Educated at the Parkdale School and Charlottetown Rural High School, Paula went on to earn a Commerce degree from Dalhousie University. Paula then moved to Toronto for several years where she worked before returning home to Charlottetown, where she found work in the office of a food wholesaler.

 

Out for a Friday night, Paula met a young broadcaster and the two soon fell in love. Paula and Frank Likely were married on July 28, 1984. Paula had married a broadcaster, but within a year, Paula and Frank had given up their careers as Frank followed a new call to ordained ministry. Life with a clergy member is often not easy, but Paula’s devotion and support for her husband was unwavering.

 

In 1992, Paula and Frank welcomed their only child Stephen, and from then on Paula’s focus in life was her son. When Stephen entered elementary school, Paula volunteered as the Librarian at Stephen’s school, a role she continued until Stephen progressed to high school. Literacy, especially among young people, was one of her passions. Any child’s gift from her always included at least one book, and she always had several books on hand from the library for herself.

 

Paula enjoyed travelling, and always looked forward to the family’s “almost annual” trip to Quebec City. Travel was education for Paula, and she always made sure to take Stephen to places and experiences which provided new learnings. Watching Stephen grow into the person he is today and celebrating all his accomplishments gave Paula the utmost pride and joy.

 

Her kindness extended well beyond her family. In addition to her work with Stephen’s schools, Paula was an enthusiastic supporter of many community groups and activities, including volunteering with the local Junior hockey team and canvassing for various charities.

 

Paula is survived by her husband Frank Likely, with whom she shared a birthday, their son Stephen (Lindsay Hodd), her mother Phyllis, siblings Mark (Joanne), Austin (Kathleen), Leah (Gary Kilbride), and Lorena (the late Rick Howard), her Likely brothers-in-law David (Carole), George (Jenny), Bob (Nettie), and John (Sandra), as well as many nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces, and one great-grand-nephew.

 

A time of visitation will be held on Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel in Charlottetown, PEI, followed by the funeral liturgy. Committal will follow at the Sherwood Cemetery.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to programs supporting children’s literacy, or as Paula would encourage you to do, buying a book for a child in your life. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com