Mary Paula Boswell, age 76, of Virginia Beach, Virginia passed away and entered the church triumphant on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at the Sentara Hospice House with family members at her side. She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Ernie Boswell; son, John Brown, daughter Mary Lane Boswell and wife Meagan Fagg, stepson…
Continue ReadingMary Paula Boswell, age 76, of Virginia Beach, Virginia passed away and entered the church triumphant on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at the Sentara Hospice House with family members at her side.
She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Ernie Boswell; son, John Brown, daughter Mary Lane Boswell and wife Meagan Fagg, stepson Patrick Boswell, stepdaughter Julie Palmer, sister Cara Winstead and husband, Wayne, nephews Noah Winstead, George Burnette and wife Brandy, Brian Burnette and wife Ashley, great nephews and nieces Raygan, Brayden, Emma, Kylie and Mason Burnette.
Mary Paula was born in Fountain, NC October 5, 1945 to the late Paul and Emma Burnette. She was preceded in death by her brothers Rick and George Burnette and sister-in-law Pam.
Mary Paula was a devoted employee of Old Dominion University for 36 years. She had a special bond with her coworkers and all of the students. She was a faithful member of Unity Church of Tidewater where she served in various capacities. But her most beloved area of service was teaching children in Sunday School. She always had sweet and funny stories to share about her class. Mary Paula loved being outside working in her yard which she always considered “therapy”. Her yard was beautiful and it reflected her inner and outer beauty. She loved walking her dog Lola. She loved her treasured “Farmville Sustas”, her childhood friends and their many years of beach trips. She loved spending time with her family in Virginia, visiting her Fountain family and many mountain trips with her mother, daughter and sister. She will be remembered in countless ways. Her generosity to others was unmatched. She had the gift of giving! She was our treasure!!
A memorial service will be held Saturday March 19, 2022 at 1pm at the Unity Church of Tidewater by Rev. Ann Frances. The family will receive friends after the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Unity Church of Tidewater.
Debbie Wooding-Calcagni
left a message on March 18, 2022:
I am so sorry about Mary Paula, I am praying for the family. I have so many fond memories of her and I will always cherish her in my heart. She was/is such a remarkable soul and I know missed tremendously.
Jennifer Muth
left a message on March 18, 2022:
To Mary's loved ones: I was so saddened to hear the news of Mary's passing. I had the good fortune of knowing her for nearly 30 years through our ODU home. She was always a positive in this shared space. MGB 250 will never be the same without her. My hope for you is that your memories of her will give you comfort during this time and that they evoke more smiles than tears.
Ann Edwards
left a message on March 17, 2022:
I was a graduate student at ODU and Mary meant the world to me. She was always professional but most of all, Mary was truly kind. I spent a lot of time in her office talking. She always listened. Always shared herself. She always made sure I had classes to teach. Mary and her African violets are one of my best memories.
Chrysta and Giovanni Donatelli
left a message on March 17, 2022:
Our deepest, deepest sympathy to Ernie and family. Mary Paula was a wonderful neighbor and friend. Together Mary Paula and I picked out and planted a row of azaleas between our two homes. We hope the little bushes grow up to be a beautiful remembrance of dear Mary and her love for gardening. May each fond remembrance help you in some small way through this painful time.
James Unverricht
left a message on March 16, 2022:
My sincere condolences to the Boswell family. Mary went above and beyond to help me throughout my years at ODU and her kindness always brightened my day. I hope the memories of her warmth can comfort you through these tough times.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Phoebe Hitson
left a message on March 15, 2022:
Dear Boswell family,
I was deeply saddened to learn of Mary's passing. I met Mary in 2014 when I became a graduate student in the psychology program at ODU. Her consistent support, encouragement, and kindness to me throughout the years made a difference in my life. May the love of God, family, and friends bless you with peace, strength, and comfort during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Phoebe Hitson
Edna B. and Michael P. Peavey
left a message on March 15, 2022:
John and Mary Lane:
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Your sweet mother we will always remember.
Jim Bliss
left a message on March 14, 2022:
I offer my sincere condolences to Mary's loved ones. As a faculty member and department chair in the ODU Psychology Department, I was fortunate to know her and work closely with her over my 18 years in the department. To say that she was a valued department member is to understate her incredible contributions and status. Undergraduate and graduate students alike found a willing ear, gentle guide, and helpful confidant in Mary. I know that without her help I would have been lost as chair. I miss her sincerity, forthrightness, and sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and with the ODU family. Rest in peace!
Liz Canzone
left a message on March 14, 2022:
I was a graduate student at ODU from 2005 to 2011. Mary was a source of warmth and comfort which is why I loved to go and see her in her office. I moved from Texas to come to ODU and didn't know anyone. She immediately took me under her wing and made me feel at home. No matter what was going on, she always met you with a warm smile. I just hope she and her family knows how much she meant to all of us. She was such a blessing to ODU and the Psych department.
Beverly A. George
left a message on March 11, 2022:
To Mary's Family:
I had the pleasure and honor of working with Mary in the ODU Psychology Dept. for the last several years. For me, Mary was the "heart" of the Department. She always exuded genuine warmth, humor, and support while being a highly efficient and devoted professional. She was a huge asset to the University and touched many lives, including mine, in positive ways. Mary and I shared interests, especially with gardening and nature's beauty. Anytime I would be in the main office, I would make it a point to poke my head into Mary's office to say hello or have a catch-up chat if time permitted. Though we were co-workers, I regarded Mary as my friend. I'll deeply miss her. It's a blessing that I'll be retiring soon, as it would be very sad for me to work without her. May she rest in peace. My sincere condolences to her family.
Courtney Mozo
left a message on March 11, 2022:
I am very sorry for your loss. It was my privilege to have worked with Mary for many years at Old Dominion University. She was a treasure to the department and an amazing mentor to the new faculty. She will be missed dearly by everyone who knew her.
Carol Blackley Lane
left a message on March 11, 2022:
Mary Paula was my cherished friend for more than 60 years. We have shared so many wonderful times. She loved my children and I love hers. She kept all my secrets well. We have special shared memories of beach trips and mountain and Pitt County NC get-togethers.
To Ernie, Mary Lane, John, Patrick, Cara and Meagan, I send appreciation and love for the way you loved and cared for this lovely woman.
peter mikulka
left a message on March 11, 2022:
My heart felt condolences to Mary's family and friends. I had the honor and pleasure to work with Mary for many years at Old Dominion University. She was a treasure as a co-worker and the functioning of the Psychology Department was facilitated by her professionalism and dedication. I was privileged to have shared many years at the university with Mary as a friend and colleague. May her memory be a blessing to her family.
Emanuel (Mike) Voloudakis
left a message on March 11, 2022:
Ernie, Mary, John and the extended Boswell family my heart goes out to you at this very sad time. You are all in my prayers and may God watch over you.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Debbie Wooding-Calcagni
left a message on March 18, 2022:
I am so sorry about Mary Paula, I am praying for the family. I have so many fond memories of her and I will always cherish her in my heart. She was/is such a remarkable soul and I know missed tremendously.
Jennifer Muth
left a message on March 18, 2022:
To Mary's loved ones: I was so saddened to hear the news of Mary's passing. I had the good fortune of knowing her for nearly 30 years through our ODU home. She was always a positive in this shared space. MGB 250 will never be the same without her. My hope for you is that your memories of her will give you comfort during this time and that they evoke more smiles than tears.
Ann Edwards
left a message on March 17, 2022:
I was a graduate student at ODU and Mary meant the world to me. She was always professional but most of all, Mary was truly kind. I spent a lot of time in her office talking. She always listened. Always shared herself. She always made sure I had classes to teach. Mary and her African violets are one of my best memories.
Chrysta and Giovanni Donatelli
left a message on March 17, 2022:
Our deepest, deepest sympathy to Ernie and family. Mary Paula was a wonderful neighbor and friend. Together Mary Paula and I picked out and planted a row of azaleas between our two homes. We hope the little bushes grow up to be a beautiful remembrance of dear Mary and her love for gardening. May each fond remembrance help you in some small way through this painful time.
James Unverricht
left a message on March 16, 2022:
My sincere condolences to the Boswell family. Mary went above and beyond to help me throughout my years at ODU and her kindness always brightened my day. I hope the memories of her warmth can comfort you through these tough times.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Phoebe Hitson
left a message on March 15, 2022:
Dear Boswell family,
I was deeply saddened to learn of Mary's passing. I met Mary in 2014 when I became a graduate student in the psychology program at ODU. Her consistent support, encouragement, and kindness to me throughout the years made a difference in my life. May the love of God, family, and friends bless you with peace, strength, and comfort during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Phoebe Hitson
Edna B. and Michael P. Peavey
left a message on March 15, 2022:
John and Mary Lane:
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Your sweet mother we will always remember.
Jim Bliss
left a message on March 14, 2022:
I offer my sincere condolences to Mary's loved ones. As a faculty member and department chair in the ODU Psychology Department, I was fortunate to know her and work closely with her over my 18 years in the department. To say that she was a valued department member is to understate her incredible contributions and status. Undergraduate and graduate students alike found a willing ear, gentle guide, and helpful confidant in Mary. I know that without her help I would have been lost as chair. I miss her sincerity, forthrightness, and sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and with the ODU family. Rest in peace!
Liz Canzone
left a message on March 14, 2022:
I was a graduate student at ODU from 2005 to 2011. Mary was a source of warmth and comfort which is why I loved to go and see her in her office. I moved from Texas to come to ODU and didn't know anyone. She immediately took me under her wing and made me feel at home. No matter what was going on, she always met you with a warm smile. I just hope she and her family knows how much she meant to all of us. She was such a blessing to ODU and the Psych department.
Beverly A. George
left a message on March 11, 2022:
To Mary's Family:
I had the pleasure and honor of working with Mary in the ODU Psychology Dept. for the last several years. For me, Mary was the "heart" of the Department. She always exuded genuine warmth, humor, and support while being a highly efficient and devoted professional. She was a huge asset to the University and touched many lives, including mine, in positive ways. Mary and I shared interests, especially with gardening and nature's beauty. Anytime I would be in the main office, I would make it a point to poke my head into Mary's office to say hello or have a catch-up chat if time permitted. Though we were co-workers, I regarded Mary as my friend. I'll deeply miss her. It's a blessing that I'll be retiring soon, as it would be very sad for me to work without her. May she rest in peace. My sincere condolences to her family.
Courtney Mozo
left a message on March 11, 2022:
I am very sorry for your loss. It was my privilege to have worked with Mary for many years at Old Dominion University. She was a treasure to the department and an amazing mentor to the new faculty. She will be missed dearly by everyone who knew her.
Carol Blackley Lane
left a message on March 11, 2022:
Mary Paula was my cherished friend for more than 60 years. We have shared so many wonderful times. She loved my children and I love hers. She kept all my secrets well. We have special shared memories of beach trips and mountain and Pitt County NC get-togethers.
To Ernie, Mary Lane, John, Patrick, Cara and Meagan, I send appreciation and love for the way you loved and cared for this lovely woman.
peter mikulka
left a message on March 11, 2022:
My heart felt condolences to Mary's family and friends. I had the honor and pleasure to work with Mary for many years at Old Dominion University. She was a treasure as a co-worker and the functioning of the Psychology Department was facilitated by her professionalism and dedication. I was privileged to have shared many years at the university with Mary as a friend and colleague. May her memory be a blessing to her family.
Emanuel (Mike) Voloudakis
left a message on March 11, 2022:
Ernie, Mary, John and the extended Boswell family my heart goes out to you at this very sad time. You are all in my prayers and may God watch over you.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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