Paula Blesener
Posted By Lake Shore Funeral Home On November 5, 2014 @ 8:44 am In Obituaries | 9 Comments
Longtime Waco Tribune-Herald editorial staff member Paula Blesener, of Waco and formerly of Valley Mills, passed away Nov. 4 at Providence Hospice Place following a valiant 10-year battle against breast cancer.
Paula was born June 29, 1963, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Growing up she lived in several cities across Indiana. She graduated high school in Corpus Christi and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Texas.
Following college she worked as a reporter for the Corsicana Daily Sun before joining the staff of the Tribune-Herald as a copy editor in January 1989. Within a year she was promoted to news editor, supervising a staff of 10 copy editors. During her time on the desk she oversaw the Trib’s shift from hand-drawn layout and page paste-up to computer pagination. In addition, she taught beginning reporting classes at Baylor University.
In 2003 she was named content editor, overseeing the reporting staff while coordinating news coverage and generating story ideas. She eventually left the Tribune-Herald in January 2011 due to health issues.
She is survived by her husband of almost 22 years, Matt Mitchell, and the light of her life, her son Nathan.
Other survivors include her mother, Patricia Blesener of Waco; sister Kathy Blesener of Omaha; sister Julie Blesener of Katy; brother Scott Blesener of Austin; sister Susan Blesener of Madison, Wisconsin and a large group of nieces, nephews and cousins as well a loyal group of former colleagues.
She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Blesener.
Burial arrangements will be private. A local memorial service for friends and coworkers will be scheduled in the near future.
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Although I didn’t know Paula that well, every time I saw her, she had a smile on her face!! I always enjoyed seeing her at Karen and Dave’s! Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Paula was a mentor and a friend, and an extraordinary newspaperwoman. She will very much be missed. Deepest condolences to you.
Paula was a great inspiration and June sister. She was part of our 4 corners. I loved her very much and we will miss her more than words can say. I am so very sorry for all of her family.
I’m so very sad over Paula’s death. She was a leader by example; she forgave wholeheartedly; and she was a loyal, good friend. Paula had the most wonderful sparkle in her eyes when she laughed … And, what a wicked sense of humor she had! I am sorry she suffered. My condolences to all of her family.
My heartfelt condolences for the family and friends of Paula. Julie, everyone at Academy sends hugs to you and your family!
Please know of my prayers for Paula, with prayers of thanksgiving for her valiant battle with CA. And of course all of the family will also be lifted up in prayer.
Our family will be missing another member. I was very happy to have seen Paula a year ago in California with a bunch of other cousins. We had a wonderful time together. Even though a lot of us have not seen each other in the last few years, we fall into step with childhood stories and laughter and of course tears (mainly me)! My thoughts and prayers to my wonderful family. Love you all!!
I’m so sorry to have just learned about Paula’s passing. Your family will miss her so much. Please know that all of you are being held in prayer at this very sad time in your lives. Peace be to Paula and all of you.
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So thankful Paula’s suffering is over, but very sad for those she left behind. She was taken much too soon. Even on bad days, Paula was a real trooper. I know heaven will be AMAZING for her.