Paula Little

Paula Little, a third generation Colorado native, was born in Denver to Mary Josephine Fitzgerald and Raymond Plank M.D. She was the third of five siblings, two older brothers, Joe Plank (deceased), and the Hon. Leonard Plank, and two younger sisters, Kathleen Chambers and Ann Gossett. With a strong Catholic family background, she attended St. John's grade school then graduated from St. Mary's Academy and finished her education at Dominican College in San Rafael, CA. Paula enjoyed participating in Track & Field competitions and was an avid skier. On the weekends, she would travel with family and friends to Winter Park via the ski train using the $5 in her pocket to pay for the train ticket, lift fee and lunch. She progressed to the highest level (black badge) with the Eskimos ski program. Paula also enjoyed riding horses with her friend, Kay, and occasionally they would show up at St. Mary's for school on their horses. Paula joined two of her best friends from high school, Kay and Adele, at Dominican College in San Rafael, CA. At Dominican, Paula was courted by the love of her life, David Little, also a Denver native. They were married August 25, 1956 and started the next chapter of their lives together. Paula and David's first son, David, was born in 1957 quickly followed by twins, Michael and Sharon, in 1958. Her third son, Christopher, was born in 1963 and her youngest, Gregory, arrived in 1965 completing their family by the time Paula was 28. As a mother with five children attending up to five different schools at the same time, Paula drove over 50, 000 miles in a single year. Paula was an active participant in the PTA, tennis tournaments, football dinners, swim meets, and church events. Some of her most notable volunteer efforts were coordinating regional recurring swim competitions, and serving as a director of the Santa Claus Shop for many years. She was also a key architect of the Mullen Mardi Gras, a principal fundraising event for Mullen High School. She was always active in her parish and helped garner support for rebuilding the Most Precious Blood Campus. She continued the tradition of participation for her eleven grandchildren who fondly called her Sweetie, PomPom, and Grandma Paula. She supported and attended countless athletic, academic and cultural events during her lifetime, but her first love was devotion to her family. Along with watching her own children's various activities, Paula enjoyed playing tennis and golf. She was an avid sports fan, watching professional baseball, football, tennis and golf. All of her children and grandchildren will miss the love and devotion she gave to them. Paula was proud of her religious beliefs. She frequently called upon the Carmelite Nuns for prayers and special interests. Paula's family has requested that in lieu of any flowers to the family or David, donations be made to the Carmelite Nuns, 6138 South Gallup Street, Littleton, CO 80120 or the Denver Santa Claus Shop, P.O. Box 102104, Denver, CO 80205-2104. A Rosary Service will be held 1:15 pm Friday, January 29 followed at 2:00 pm by the Memorial Mass at Most Precious Blood Catholic Parish, 2250 South Harrison Street, Denver. Please share memories of Paula with her family by visiting the Guestbook.