Paula Marquez Munoz, 90, from Hart, passed away Tuesday, September 17, 2024.  She was born June 7,1934, in Alice, Texas, the daughter of Prajedes and Mara Ursula (Alvares) Marquez.

Paula married Humberto “Bob” Munoz on August 15, 1951, migrating to Shelby, MI with their young children in 1960. She worked her way out of field work and into an office job, working with the Oceana County Community Aid Center assisting the community with connecting to local resources and interpreting.  After a few years, Paula moved into Shelby Public Schools as an instructional support specialist under the Bilingual/Migrant Department working with migrant and immigrant families where she remained until retirement.  Paula gained respect and, with some, disdain as she worked hard to see that Hispanic children in the Shelby Public School system attended school and were treated fairly.  Some may remember her taking the Superintendent of Shelby Schools to the fields to speak with parents to bring students back to school rather than working in the fields during school hours.  In this manner, Paula was instrumental in increasing school attendance for migrating students helping to ensure their graduation at a time during which there were no truancy laws in effect.  Paula was also very influential in the Hispanic Community by teaching cultural dance groups, staying active in the Catholic Church, volunteering as a Sunday School teacher, doing the work of a Crusillista, and interpreted when called upon by local agencies.  Paula was also athletic, playing sports and being a part of the school band in Alice, Tx.  Her passion for sports extended into adulthood as she initiated one of the first women’s softball teams in Hart.  It was a family affair as the team was largely made up of her then teenage daughters, daughter-in-law’s, nieces and close friends.

Having been raised by a single mother and in the midst of 6 brothers, Paula was a trailblazer and had a loving, firm character, unprecedented determination and a sternness about her which she shared with EVERYONE, not just with her immediate family or the students she worked with. The importance and love of learning, be it by book or trade, was signified by her obtaining her high school diploma in 1978 from Hart High School, a promise completed to her mother because after completing the 8th grade, she married Humberto.  Paula did not care what career was chosen but only that you did something and that you did it with passion and true commitment. It was not uncommon for Paula to be approached by ex-students and parents to not only acknowledge how tough she was but to also express their gratitude. This commitment and work ethic was passed on to her children and grandchildren. Her teachings can be seen in the positions and work of family members which include an array of careers held in public schools, construction, medical careers, law enforcement, small business owners, supervisory positions and careers held in the military, just to name a few; a far cry from the migrant fields she used to work with her young sons and husband. Her focus was to elevate not only her own family but others as well by encouraging personal development and providing support. Consequently, her legacy will live on through each and every family member and through the generations that will come here after. 

Paula is survived by: her children, Juan (Becky) Munoz, Roberto (Jodi) Munoz, Norma Lopez, Nora (Bill) Bayle and Alicia (Chad) Harmon; 12 grandchildren; 42 great grandchildren, 11 great-great grandchildren; brothers, Rafael Marquez, Pascual Marquez; and 2 very special nieces who viewed her as a mother figure, Sylvia (Doug) Mast and Yolanda (Manuel) Avila. 

Paula was preceded in death by: her husband, Humberto “Bob” Munoz; son, Norberto “Nervi” Munoz; grandsons Guadalupe “Beto” Lopez and Marquez “Quez” Lopez; brothers, Clemente, Matias, Longhino, and Jose Marquez; sisters-in-law, Francisca Marquez, and Rose Ann Marquez; son-in-law, Octavio Lopez.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 noon, Saturday, October 5, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2380 W. Jackson Road, Hart, Michigan, 49420, with Father Phillip Sliwinski presiding.  The family will receive friends from 11 am until the start of services at noon at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements.

www.harrisfhome.com