Paula Kay Parkin, age 71, of St. Louis, Missouri, formerly of Le Mars, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 5, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Paula was born on April 25, 1954, in Hawarden, Iowa, the daughter of Clarence and Pearl (Van Dyke) Kooima. She grew up in a close-knit family as one of five daughters — Dorinda, Barb, Paula, and twins Judy and Julie — and cherished the lifelong bond she shared with her loving sisters.

Paula married Steven Parkin in Le Mars, Iowa, where they blended families and raised their six children: Jennifer (Steven) Mackey of St. Louis, MO; Adam (Pam) Mackey of Portland, OR; Jason (Kelly) Parkin of Des Moines, IA; Jennifer (Jim) Kurtz of Denver, CO; Carrie Parkin of Des Moines, IA; and Josh (Dory) Parkin of Le Mars, IA. After their children graduated from high school, Paula and Steve moved to St. Louis, MO, where they continued to make cherished memories.

Paula enjoyed a fulfilling career in healthcare. She worked as a community hospital nurse, gaining experience across nearly all areas of patient care.  She later served as a school nurse, where her calm presence and gentle spirit made her beloved by students.

Family was the heart of Paula’s life.  She adored her grandchildren — Sabrina, Maddox, Nolen, Hudson, Emma, Sam, Lakyn, Zoe, Kyah, Gaige, and Elliot — along with her cherished “grand dogs.”  She recognized each grandchild’s unique qualities and celebrated them. Shortly after her granddaughter Sabrina was born, Paula moved into her daughter’s home where she experienced much joy helping raise Sabrina during some of her most formative moments. They had a very special bond taking care of one another.

Paula loved to travel and explore. She enjoyed visiting England and Australia, where her husband Steve was raised. She also enjoyed visiting her ancestral roots in the Netherlands and exploring other favorite places such as Scotland, Colorado, and Oregon.

She found great joy in her community in Lake St. Louis and church, where she was known for her welcoming spirit, laughter, and sharing her baking and cooking.  She also loved gardening, reading, and spending time with family and dear friends.

Paula’s faith was a guiding force throughout her life. Raised in the Christian Reformed Church, she later became a member of the Lutheran faith. Her deep belief brought her strength and peace, especially after the loss of her husband.

Paula will be remembered for her calm and gentle nature, her ability to listen without judgment, and her contagious laugh that could brighten any room.

A funeral service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Chesterfield, Missouri, on Saturday, October 18, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church’s Endowment Fund in Chesterfield, MO