Paula McCormick passed peacefully in the arms of her loving wife Priscilla on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the age of 73. Paula was a light unto this world, a sweet and special soul who could always make you smile and laugh and feel cared for. She was gracious, generous, tenacious and witty. Paula greeted others with a genuine “Sweetheart” in her endearing soft southern accent. She always found the beauty in life and people and consistently chose love above all else. Paula was known as a grateful and positive person, even when her illness began to limit her ability to do things she enjoyed. She focused on what she could do and continued to live her life as fully as possible and take delight in even the simplest things, like a good cup of coffee. Paula was a gifted and adventurous cook who loved cooking for others as well as enjoying delicious food herself. She dearly loved her pets as well as gardening, music, reading, and watching football.
Paula was born in Tucson, AZ to Dorothy Hopkins and Harry McCormick. Her beloved sister, Patricia, was born just thirteen months after Paula. She spent most of her childhood years in Denton, TX where her mother’s family lived. Walter Liston, her stepfather, came into her life when she was six years old. The family moved to New Orleans when Paula was fifteen. New Orleans was her home for thirty-eight years and became the place that felt most like home. In 2005, after Hurricane Katrina, Paula and Priscilla moved to Austin, TX and made their home there for the last twenty-one years.
While attending the University of New Orleans, she worked for an interior landscape company, installing and caring for thousands of plants in office buildings and was affectionately called, “the plant lady”. After completing her degree in Paralegal Studies, she was hired by a large law firm in New Orleans. In her eighteen years there, Paula was an excellent paralegal who always found ways to care for those she worked with. She made many lifelong friends. The attorneys and staff appreciated her exceptional organizational skills, positive attitude and kindness. After moving to Austin, Paula worked for an Austin law firm as a paralegal where she was a tremendous resource to the attorneys and staff and quickly became an office favorite. She was always ready to help and support others and could always come up with just what was needed, whether it was for a complex hearing or an impromptu office party.
She met her wife, Priscilla Morton, in 1981. Their relationship was full of laughter, fun, intellectual stimulation, mutual support and spirituality. They made a great team cooking and entertaining friends and family, gardening, learning and traveling. They were both active members of AA. They were married in 2010 in Massachusetts, one of the few states that permitted gay marriage at the time. In their long and loving life together their devotion to one another grew. Many have said that you could feel their love for one another when you walked into a room. Priscilla fulfilled her commitment to Paula by taking exceptional care of her over the nine years they dealt with the challenges of dementia and cancer.
Paula is survived by her wife, Priscilla Morton, aunt, Paisley Robertson, nephew, Byron Gros, Jr. and wife Candace.
She is predeceased by her sister, Patricia Gros, her brother-in-law, Byron Gros, Sr., nephew, Rayle Gros, mother, Dorothy Liston, father, Harry McCormick, and stepfather, Walter Liston.
Paula’s memorial Service will be held at Hyde Park Presbyterian Church at 11 am on Saturday, June 20, 2026. A reception and celebration of Paula’s life will follow.
In lieu of flowers, Paula and Priscilla ask that you make a donation to Hospice Austin Christopher House at Hospiceaustin.org
“There’s a light in the darkness. There is always a path forward.” Paula McCormick
7 Responses
There are some people whose love is felt most deeply in the simple, beautiful ways they care for others. That was Paula.
She lovingly cooked meals for my late husband Gary and me, always welcoming us into her home with warmth, generosity, and joy. I can still picture evenings around the table with Paula and Presilla — laughter, comfort, delicious food, and the feeling of being truly cared for. She delighted in giving to others and made everyone around her feel special and loved.
It is hard to accept that such a beautiful soul is no longer here with us. The world feels dimmer without her kindness, her spirit, and her loving heart. I will forever cherish the memories we shared and the love she so freely gave.
Paula, thank you for nourishing not only our bodies, but our hearts. You will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.
“Oh baby, you made it.” Those are words I will always carry with me. I was truly blessed to be there with Paula up until her last moments. Even then, she still made her presence known in the sweetest ways. Although the medication made her a little froggy at times, she still remembered to ask about my college statistics class and always reminded me to keep going.
I will forever cherish our late conversations shared over a warmed up slice of cranberry bread with a little butter on top. Those small moments became some of the most meaningful memories to me. Paula had a warmth about her that made people feel loved, welcomed, and cared for.
My little lady Paula is deeply missed and forever cherished.
Whenever my friend, Paisley visited me in New Orleans I knew I could expect to spend some time with Paula and Priscilla – and that the time with them would be filled with moments of howling laughter. They never disappointed. Fly with the angels and the eagles, dear Paula. And Priscilla, Ricardo and I offer our deepest condolences. Your love for Paula was always evident – over the years, but especially through your devotion. May you find peace. Love, Helen.
The words written about you could not have been any more perfect. I saw you as a rock. You were always there, even through the very tumultuous times. And though we only spoke about once a year since our birthdays are a week apart, I always felt very close to you. And could pick up the conversation as if we had just spoken. You will always be my friend.
At odd moments, when I feel a wave of grief wash over me, I hear her say “Awwww Sweetheart. Please don’t. Remember me with love, not sorrow”. There is so much I could say about a Paula, but none of it could come close to describing the incredible person that she was. So I will just say this – Paula was, quite honestly, the best person I’ve ever known.
I was deeply saddened to learn of Paula’s passing.
I first met Priscilla during my internship in Austin, Texas, in 2014, and we became friends. When I returned to Texas a year later, I had the pleasure of sharing a wonderful dinner with both Priscilla and Paula. It was such a lovely evening, and I still remember the delicious cookies Paula baked for us as a gift. They were absolutely wonderful.
Back in Belgium, I continued to stay in touch with Priscilla and followed her Facebook posts over the years, reading how dementia gradually took more and more control of Paula’s life. Even from such a great distance, I could feel Priscilla’s deep love for her wife and her unwavering devotion and care.
I am grateful that I had the chance to meet Paula, a woman whom Priscilla has every reason to be proud of. She left a lasting impression on me through that brief but meaningful encounter.
Priscilla, my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
With love from Belgium,
Lieve
Paula was a wonderful neighbor. She was an incredible professional and a fun and charming presence on our block. I send my condolences to Priscilla.