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Paula J. Sittler, 80, of Peru, passed away on August 23, 2021, at Heritage Health in Mendota.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 AM Friday at St. Patrick’s Church in La Salle. Reverend Thomas Otto is officiating the service. She is to be buried in the Peru City Cemetery. Visitation will take place at 5:00-7:00 PM Thursday at the Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle with a rosary to be recited at 6:45 PM. Additional visitation will be Friday in the church from 10:00 AM until the time of Mass.
Paula was born on April 28, 1941, to Leonard and Julia (Podlinsek) Kierski. She first married Benny D. Jones. Later, shemarried the love of her life, James H. Sittler, on April 2, 1966.
Paula worked several jobs over the course of her life. First and foremost, she was a knowledgeable and passionate cook whomanaged the kitchens in the Shamrock Shell and the Illinois Valley Banquet Center. During her time at the IV Banquet Center, Paula also worked as a cleaning lady for both the Lighted Way school and the St. Patrick’s Church rectory. She later cleaned houses for many families in the community after her retirement.
As a pious Catholic, Paula was a longtime member of St. Patrick’s Church. Much of her free time was spent singing in the church choir, volunteering at church events, and participating as a member of St. Anne’s Society. She was also President of the Peru Eagle’s Ladies’ Auxiliary.
As a woman, wife, mother, and grandmother, Paula was infinitely kind and generous. She made quick and long-lasting friendships, stockpiled candy for her nurses, showed exceptional compassion for animals, made sure her guests were very well fed, and supported her family in all their endeavors. She was a quick wit, an avid collector of many things, a wild demolition derby racer, and a lover of all things Christmas. Most of all, however, Paula was a strong and resilient little lady who overcame a remarkable number of hardships that tested her will and faith—her spirit remained unbroken her entire life. May her impeccable memory be passed down through her family forever.
Paula is survived by her three children Judy (Brian) Mattison of Peru, Maryann (Keith) Booker of La Salle, Jim (Michelle) Sittler of Hennepin; four grandchildren Nicole Meyer, Ashton Mattison, Colton Sittler, and Haven Sittler; great grandson Tyler Meyer; stepson Jeff Sittler; and brother Eugene Kierski.
She was preceded in death by her husband Jim on January 9, 1978; grandson Brandon Booker on June 25, 2007; sister Patricia Michalak on November 5, 2019; and brother Donald Kierski on April 12, 2011.
Pallbearers will be Ashton Mattison, Colton Sittler, Tyler Meyer, Matt Meyer, Nicole Meyer, Jeffrey Ellerbrock, and Brian Mattison.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Paula J. Sittler, please visit our floral store.