Paula Hauck

Paula McAfee Hauck, 88, of Toledo, passed away on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. She was born in Portsmouth, OH to James and Silena (Irvin) McAfee on February 12, 1935. Paula worked as a first-grade teacher prior to marrying the love of her life, Charles “Pete” Hauck, who preceded her in death last month. After 66 years of marriage and spending most of that time together, Paula was not about to let Pete enjoy heaven alone.

Their marriage was somewhat of an “arranged” one that was set up by their mothers, who happened to be friends. While Paula was attending the University of Cincinnati, Pete was in town to visit friends. The mothers devised a plan for them to go on a date. Paula, who already had a planned date for the evening, was told to cancel it while Pete was told to forgo poker night with the boys to take her out. Neither were very enthusiastic about the arrangement. Nearly 70 years later, it is clear that their mothers knew what they were doing.

Paula spent much of her free time as a “professional spectator”; always present for her children and grandchildren’s sporting events, plays and concerts and for many Ohio State football and baseball games with Pete. Paula was an exceptional wife, mother, and grandmother. Family always came first, and she took enormous pride in her offspring. She and Pete were avid travelers and made sure to include family on many trips. Some of her favorite travels include trips with each of her grandchildren, taking a cruise with the entire family for their 50th anniversary, and taking multiple excursions to Disney World and on Disney cruises.

Paula’s Christian faith was deeply important to her. She loved her church community at Collingwood Presbyterian and was devoted to serving Christ though serving others. She volunteered much of her time at church, at Flower Hospital and at Ohio Living Swan Creek. Both she and Pete encouraged their children and grandchildren to cultivate their own faith and sought to model this in their own lives.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Ohio Living Swan Creek retirement community, Paula and Pete’s home for the last 16 years. The love and compassion shown by these dedicated caregivers was a blessing to the entire family.

Paula is survived by her children, Laurie Hauck, Nancy (Dan) McMahon, Tom (Becky) Hauck; grandchildren, Meagan (Luke) Brown, Erin (Jason) VanDevere, Kevin (Lauren) McMahon, Brian McMahon, Shannon McMahon, Kathleen McMahon, Zack Hauck, Nick Hauck, and Abby Hauck; and seven great-grandchildren.

Friends will be received on Friday, September 15, 2023, from 4-7 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Avenue, Toledo, OH 43623. Entombment will be private. A Memorial to celebrate the lives of both Paula and Pete will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ohio Living Swan Creek retirement community or Collingwood Presbyterian Church.