Obituary of Paulette T. Havener

Sherrill-Paulette Thomas Havener, 62, of Sherrill passed away at her home on May 3rd 2021 after a long and strenuous battle with COPD. She was born in Oneida, New York, the daughter of Robert J. and Pauline Thomas. She lived in Sherrill all her life. Paulette graduated from V.V.S. High School and from the LPN program at BOCES simultaneously. She worked as a nurse for many years between the Oneida ECF on Broad Street, Oneida City Hospital and Rome Nursing Home. Eventually, she changed gears and went on to spend fifteen years working at NYE Automotive Group as a cashier and receptionist. Unfortunately, her health began to deteriorate, and she was forced to retire in 2017. Paulette leaves behind her surviving children; Jeremy, Paul and Anna Havener; her grandchildren (Anna's children) Jude, Jacob and Jackson; her brother and sister-in-law Joel & Sharon Thomas, sister-in-law Joan Thomas; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and former in-laws. Also left behind are Paulette's best friend of roughly 50 years, Nancy Cartledge; and close family member Robert Havener. She adored her PCP, Dr. Erin Thompson, and the staff at the Verona Health Center. Paulette was predeceased by her parents; her former husband Richard J. Havener, Jr.; her brother Timothy Thomas; her first child Kristopher Andrews due to SIDS; and most recently, her son Richard. Paulette was a protective Mama bear. She loved her children and grandchildren dearly and she wanted nothing but the best for all of them. We were all her "babies", no matter how old we get. She was always there to lend an ear, offer advice, cheer us on or put us in our place – whatever the situation called for. Paulette was smart, humble, kind, witty, generous, beautiful, comforting, genuine and more. She befriended the people that needed a friend - she joked about the "kids" that she's "adopted" throughout her career. She cared about others and it showed. She loved spending time with her family. She always made time for regular visits with all the kids present. She loved to laugh and loved to make other people laugh - you had to have a sense of humor to make the cut around here. She loved dogs – Josie, Ren and Myrtle gave her a million smiles and received at least that many treats in return. She was a devout racing fan, a life-long fan of Utica-Rome and NASCAR. She was also an avid basketball fan, rooting on The Lakers and Syracuse whenever she could find a game. She loved sitting in the sun on a nice, warm day – usually with headphones in listening to her music – she loved all kinds. She loved to dance – she'd be bouncing around the kitchen, the living room, a wedding reception, Christmas party – you name it. She loved Ford Mustangs. She lived off of Dunkin' Donuts coffee and sausage egg muffins. She loved chipmunks, butterflies and recently began to enjoy watching the birds. She was addicted to Perry's Death by Chocolate ice cream. She became very interested in current events and politics over the last several years and loved pushing the buttons of the ill-informed. She was one of a kind for certain. She was loved immensely, and words can't describe how much she will be missed. The only comfort is that she won't have to struggle every time she takes a breath. Due to COVID-19 circumstances, no formal calling hours or services will be held. The family will be hosting a memorial gathering in her honor when outdoor weather conditions are more favorable, date and location TBD. In lieu of traditional sympathy flower arrangements, the family is requesting plants for a memorial garden in Paulette's honor to be located in front of her home at 120 Williams Street.