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Paula Dutka

Paula Marie Dutka, 71, of Chester, peacefully passed away on Oct. 28, surrounded by loving family members after a short illness.

Paula was born to Joseph and Rose Kuzaro on Aug. 16, 1952, in Hartford and was a lifelong resident of Chester.

Paula was always a positive force with a work ethic to match. She started her career in hairdressing and worked in that field for 30-plus years. Her creativity and expertise gave her a devoted following of customers. After retirement from hairdressing, Paula held several management positions within various customer service industries, including restaurants, Oliver’s Tavern, Water’s Edge and Marker 37, and retail establishment Coach. She ended her career happily working for Coach in a role that she really loved.

Paula was a fashionista who loved getting her hair and nails done, shopping, doing her make-up, and dressing up. She loved cooking large meals for gatherings on the holidays and spending time with her family and friends. Paula took pride in decorating, not only in her own home but also throughout the tri-town community during Holiday decoration initiatives.

Paula adored animals, including the many dogs and cats she took care of throughout her life, horses and other animals at her son and daughter-in-law’s farm, which she visited frequently, her niece and nephew’s dogs, who were always so excited to see her, and neighborhood dogs who would happily bark at her door to visit. She leaves behind four beloved cats who miss her dearly.

Paula was a devoted daughter, mother, sister, and aunt. Prior to her own mother Rose’s passing, Paula moved Rose into her own home, where she cared for her with loving tenderness. Paula leaves behind her loving son Shane (Terry) Dutka; brother Joseph (Sally) Kuzaro; her beloved niece Hillary (Angelo) Laviero; and nephew Jonathon (Christina) Kuzaro, as well as many cousins, friends, and wonderful neighbors. Paula was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Rose Kuzaro; many aunts, uncles, and her partner-in-crime cousin, Ben Novinski.

Paula’s ready smile and unconditional love will live on with all who had the good fortune to know her.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10, at Saint Joseph’s Church, 48 Middlesex Avenue in Chester. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.