Paula L. Bourland Obituary (1949

Paula Bourland died Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at her daughter's home in Bloomington, Illinois. A strong, independent spirit from the start, Paula Lee Rytima was born on the 4th of July, 1949 in Waukegan, Illinois, to parents Paul and Gladys Rytima. She graduated from Zion-Benton Township High School in 1967. After graduation she lived in Florida, Germany, Arkansas, and Texas before returning to Illinois in 1985 with her daughter, Tahnee. She started a career at Abbott Laboratories (later Abbvie) and retired in 2014. Paula loved going to estate sales, flea markets, and thrift shops. Because she was one of the most supportive mom's there ever was, she also helped Tahnee run her shop. And in 2019, she started her favorite job yet, being a Grandma to Catherine (Kit) Lathrop. Paula loved her family. She kept residences in both northern Illinois and Bloomington, and enjoyed visiting and spending time with family frequently. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Tahnee and Matt Lathrop, and her best friend and granddaughter, Kit; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Linda and Ed Johnson, Jane and Jim Neal; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Clint and Diane Rytima, Eric and Brenda Rytima, and Roger and Arlyn Rytima; her niblings Kelly Neal-Wilker, Aaron Neal, Trina Constas, Michal Henry, Paul Rytima, Tyler Rytima, their partners and children; and bonus family Scott Lathrop, Alan Lathrop, Emily and Ember Taylor, and Alex Bourland. Paula was preceded in death by her mother and father, her ex-husband and co-parent, Dennis Bourland, Matt's mother, Janet Lathrop, and her most beloved cat, Topsy. Paula died peacefully with her daughter by her side. She was visited, cared for, and loved on by many family members in her last few weeks. No formal services are planned at this time, as Paula wanted an outdoor Celebration of Life. The family will wait for warmer weather to say a final goodbye