Paula Hadsall

(From Parker Mortuary)

Paula Renee Hadsall, 49, died suddenly on Sunday, Nov. 14 after unusual complications from a heart attack.

Paula was born on Feb. 4, 1972, in St. Charles, Mo., to Jim and Carol Nugent. She graduated from Glendale High School in Springfield in 1990.

Paula worked as an Administrative Assistant with the Joplin Police Department. She found a purpose-filled career there: She admired the police officers in the department, and drew immense pride and satisfaction from helping them, including assisting with the Citizens’ Police Academy, ensuring proper department accreditation, running important programs and supporting officers after hard days.

She loved and collected books, with a special fondness for “Harry Potter.” Her collection of rubber ducks is legend, too large for just the bathroom. She hated jerks, spiders and the word “someday.”

While Paula enjoyed the beauty of the world’s colors, her moral compass helped her see black and white where others got distracted by shades of gray. She fought for others more than she did for herself, and took injustices and insults suffered by others just as personally. She spoke
plainly and honestly, and tolerated zero bull****.

Paula had myriad skills, from baking to jewelry making, and was a fast learner. Her sense of humor was brilliant and lively. She cherished simple gestures, such as gifs of baby goats or giggling babies, and treated small gifts like expensive treasures.

Paula’s greatest talent, however, was loving. It came as naturally as breathing, yet was mighty and superhuman.

This was especially true for her family. She immersed herself in their interests, including performance cars and trucks, computers and the New Orleans Saints. She even learned to play “Dungeons and Dragons” for her family — a perfect mama owlbear. She swooned over becoming a grandmother to her first grandson.

She loved her friends and family fiercely and loyally. A modern-day muse, Paula nurtured, inspired and championed those she believed in. Her friends cherished how she supported them with unwavering confidence and devotion during tumultuous times. If we all had friends like Paula, no one would ever feel powerless or demoralized.

Paula’s tremendous endurance will be remembered. This woman was strong. Over the last decade she struggled with chronic pain that kept her from enjoying simple pleasures. She fought against her own demons of depression and anxiety. But she always found the strength to shove those injuries and imps aside so that she could support her family, friends
and co-workers.

Paula leaves behind a heartbroken family, including husband, Joe Hadsall; son Mitchell Nugent and wife, Rachael (and grandson, Walker Scott); son Duncan High; brothers Jim Nugent and Robbie Nugent; father Jim Nugent; many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws; and beloved
puppy, Jules.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fraternal Order of Police Foundation. These donations will directly benefit the police officers who Paula admired and respected.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.