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
One Response
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.