Resident Spotlight: Paula Cwikiel

LIVING IN STYLE WAS MEANT TO BE

Sometimes nature cooperates and makes a beautiful young person even more beautiful as they age. Paula Cwikiel is one of those fortunate people. However, her physical beauty is matched only by her joyful personality and her willingness to engage in activities to help others. Making other people look beautiful has been a major role her entire life.

Born in Haiti, Missouri, in 1945, Paula Gail Gurley was the last of five children–four boys and then Paula. She says her early childhood was a happy and normal one with school and church activities keeping her busy. “Being the only girl was not bad,” remembers Paula, “as I was often cared for and protected by my brothers.” 

Unfortunately, the “normal” life came to an end when Paula’s father was accidently killed when she was 13. “It was a terrible time for all of us,” says Paula. “We thought we were also going to lose our mother because she was so grieved and overwhelmed with the sudden responsibility of our loss.” Paula’s mother gradually recovered and decided she needed a job to help support the family. She enrolled in a cosmetology course, subsequently, opening a shop in their home. “This was so much fun,” remembers Paula, “as Mother allowed me to bring my girlfriends to the shop, and we would try every hair style on each other.” This “fun” would ultimately have an impact on Paula’s professional life.

While in high school in Haiti, Paula found she loved acting when she enrolled in a drama and speech class her senior year. She was chosen for the leading part in all of the plays they performed that year and was presented with an award as Best Actor at her graduation ceremony in 1963. Paula dreamed of a life as an actress.

Paula’s plan was to get a college education by enrolling in Harding College (now University) in the fall. However, one week following graduation, Paula’s mother insisted that she enroll for the summer semester. Paula had wanted a break from school, but her mother’s wishes prevailed and Paula enrolled. “I was miserable and homesick the entire summer. I couldn’t wait to get home,” remembers Paula. “The bus ride home to Haiti was the longest trip I’ve ever made!”

Refusing to return to Harding in the fall, Paula declared she needed a “rest” before returning to school. Paula’s mother encouraged her, while she was “resting,” to enroll in a cosmetology course. So, Paula took her advice and became a licensed “hairdresser” in 1967, and she never returned to college. 

As sometimes happens with future plans, Paula met and began dating a local man, Jess O’Quinn. After a whirlwind romance, they were married in 1964; two daughters were born to the couple. Because of Jess’ work in heating and air conditioning, they moved several times. Kimberly was born in Memphis in 1966, and Alicia was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in1970. After the daughters were grown, Paula and Jess decided to end their 20 year marriage in 1984.

Paula continued to work in the salon owned by a dear friend – former Kirby Pines resident, Carolyn Scarberry. “I had sought a position in ‘hairdressing’ following our move back to Memphis; fortunately Carolyn hired me,” remembers Paula. “I dearly loved Carolyn. She was like the sister I never had. We worked together for 30 years!”

In 1985, Paula met Steve Cwikiel. They dated for six and a half years before getting married in 1991. Steve worked as a computer auditor for Federal Express, eventually becoming Senior Executor of Auditing. “We had a very happy life together,” recalls Paula. “We loved travel, fishing, and camping–especially in Grand Father Mountains in North Carolina. We honeymooned in Hawaii and traveled to Europe.” They had 18 wonderful years together before Steve died in 2009 with leukemia.

To stay busy, Paula continued to work her last ten years as a “hairdresser” at Gould’s salon in Memphis, retiring in 2015. She also became very involved in the women’s ministry at Highland Church of Christ and continues there in Bible class and small group fellowship.

Paula began to think about moving to Kirby Pines. “I knew several from church who lived here as well as several former clients. I have two beautiful daughters who live close by, and I have three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren that I am so proud of, and enjoy every minute I can be with them. Even so, I realized I needed to be around people my age and become more active,” says Paula. With all those positives, Paula moved to Kirby Pines in July, 2022.

Paula has this to say about her decision: “I knew Kirby was the perfect place to live and enjoy my retirement. Kirby has so much to offer. I enjoy getting to use my drama experience by working with the Theater Group. I love the opportunities to worship and attend Bible studies here. I love the movie theater and going on day trips, celebrating birthdays – I could just go on and on. I can’t forget the wonderful people and family feel here, and the staff, too! There is so much to do here; I can’t imagine living anywhere else. SO BLESSED!”

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident of Kirby Pines.