Paula Jean Hocker passed away at Primrose in Mansfield, Ohio where she had been a resident for several years, on July 3, 2024. She was a long time resident of Galion, Ohio.
Paula was born on September 27, 1933 to Arthur and Margaret (Schiff) Campbell in Brooklyn, NY. She grew up in Port Washington, NY and spent many summers at Aimhi Lodge in Maine growing up. Upon graduation, she went to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where she met her spouse, Howard Hocker. They married on December 23, 1955 in NY and were together over 65 years before his passing. After a brief stint in Long Beach, California, while Howard was in the military, they settled in Galion, where they raised two sons. Paula was a 34 year employee of the Galion City Schools and spent much of her career teaching third grade at Wilma Crall Elementary School. Her family enjoys meeting former students who still share memories of her as a caring teacher.
Upon retirement, Paula and Howard enjoyed traveling but spent most of their time at Gem Beach on Catawba Island and Kings Gate Park in Nokomis Florida where they had homes. Besides spending time with her children and grandchildren, Paula enjoyed playing bridge with several groups, reading and her cats. She volunteered for a time at the Galion Hospital gift shop and was active in her churches in Galion and Florida. She was a member of Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church in Galion. Her great granddaughter’s visits were a special joy at the end of her life.
Paula is survived by her sons, Jeff (Kimberly) Hocker of Wilmington, Ohio and Brad (Stacey) Hocker of Galion, grandchildren Bryan (Ethel) Hocker, Max Chapman, Ethan Hocker and Elena Hocker, great granddaughter Clara Groves and several nieces and nephews.
Paula was preceded in death by her parents, husband Howard Hocker, sister Judith Campbell, brother in law and sisters in law John and Mary Ann Hocker and Suzanne Schiller.
The family will receive friends from 5:30 – 7:00 PM Friday July 12, 2024 at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 746 Cherry St. Galion, Ohio 44833 where a memorial service will follow at 7:00 PM.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home.
Richardson Davis Chapel of Snyder Funeral Homes in Galion is honored to serve the family of Paula Hocker, and condolences may be made to them at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.