Obituary of Paula Chrysola Comuntzis

Paula C. Comuntzis, 77, formerly of 15 Fisher Street, Canton, died January 29, 2014 at Maplewood Campus in Canton after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. Calling hours will be held on Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Lawrence Funeral Home, Canton. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 10:00 AM at the funeral home with Rev. Mother Evette Austin officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Canton in the spring. She was born December 26, 1936 in Bloomsburg, PA a daughter of the late John M. and Susan (Hilton) Comuntzis. She was also preceded in death by her older brother, Markos J. Communtzis. She is survived by her brother, Thomas J. Comuntzis and wife Wilma of VA; a half-brother, DJ Comuntzis and wife Connie of PA; numerous nieces and nephews, who knew her as Aunt Polly; and her friends for many years, Joyce Allen and Martha Maine. Paula was a 1957 graduate of Canton High and attended Canton A.T.I. (SUNY) in 57 & 58. She worked for the Cascade Inn as a bartender. She started working at St. Lawrence University in 1980 as the first female custodian and in 1981 as a food service specialist. She retired in June 2005. In an article in Hills News College Paper in 1991, Paula was called the Entrée-preneur. According to the article, "Her main goal was to keep my kids happy and that's what I mean because they are my kids." When working behind the cash register she could hardly reach the keys because she was so short. A stool was made for her in 1986 as a gift by both the manager and asst. manager. Paula was greatly devoted to her dogs, "Heather", "Hoover" & "Ashley", who were companions to her for many years. She enjoyed oil painting on saw blades and canvas and was a member of Grace Episcopal Church. Paula was a friend to all who knew and loved her and will be greatly missed. The family would like to thank the staff and doctors of Maplewood Campus for their long and dedicated care of Paula. They would also like to thank Hospice for the compassion they showed Paula during her final days. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Potsdam Humane Society or to Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley.