Paula Sue Earley

Paula Sue Earley, 69, formerly a proud Texan, left this world peacefully on December 31, 2025, at her home in Lake City, Pennsylvania.

She came into the world, full of spunk and sass, on October 20, 1956. Her precocious nature made her the standout choice for Methodist missionaries looking to complete their family through adoption. Together, they trekked globally through countries like the Congo, Argentina, Bolivia and her personal favorite, Chile, before settling stateside.

Paula was a graduate of Neshaminy High School and then continued her education at the very prestigious Culinary Institute of America. From an early age, she enjoyed recreating dishes from her extensive travels and turned that passion into a fruitful career.

She began working in a number of large chain restaurants before finding her niche at Joe's Coffee Shop & Steakhouse. She very happily served Irving for more than two decades before partnering with lifelong friends to open PJ's. She remained the heart and voice (if you know, YOU KNOW!) of the kitchen until her health forced her to explore slower paced, less stressful avenues of employment.

Paula then became a home health aid and companion where her compassion and concern for others shown brightly. She was incredibly caring and connected easily with her patients. She enjoyed playing Bingo, having long late night conversations, and always used food as her love language!

Against all odds, Paula was miraculously able to reconnect with her biological father, Roy McDonald, and make lasting connections with her new family members. She was forever grateful to have been wholeheartedly welcomed into their family. Along with her father and siblings, Paula traded amazing family histories and animated adventures about their upbringing. The McDonald's even kindly opened their hearts and home to her adopted sister Vikki and extended family.

Paula was preceded in death by her adopted parents, Daniel and Phyllis (Bartoe) Speakman; her biological father, Roy McDonald as well as his wife, Doris; her brother-in-law, Craig Allen; and her granddaughter born sleeping, Emily Grace.

Paula will be immeasurably missed by her family including her daughter Deidra (Eric); sister Vikki Speakman Koshivas (Jim); sisters, Bonnie Aranyos (Andy), Sharon Olesnanik (Mark), Roxanne Allen, Terri Holmes (Charles), Darlene Myers (Buddy); brother, John McDonald (Belinda); and her beloved grandchildren, Hannah Earley, Olivia Earley, and Nolan Caro along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and many friends

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Help Us Adopt, a charity that awards significant financial grants to families facing financial challenges while trying to gift a deserving child a loving home. Donations can be made online at Help Us Adopt - Give or mailed to Help Us Adopt, PO Box 787, New York, NY 10150.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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