It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Paula Wardell on November 20, 2025, after a short illness, surrounded by her loving family. She fought until the very last moment.

She was born in Wilmington to the late Bill and Vera Kirk. She went to Christ Our King followed by Conrad. She married the love of her life, Sam, on November 22,1980, and enjoyed 36 years of teamwork and marriage before his passing in 2016.

Her plan was to become a nurse but God had other plans when she was blessed with one of her greatest joys: motherhood. She was the proud mother of her 4 children, Stephanie Wardell, Danielle Jennings (Dave), Jennifer Egolf (Joe), and Brian Wardell(Jess). She was the best mom you could ever ask for. We would like to think we were the best things in her life but she would tell you that it's not her 4 kids, but her 8 grandchildren, Ethan, Olivia, Madison, Ava, Savannah, Dylan, Anna, and Lily that were the best things to ever happen to her. They brought her more joy than anything in the world. Paula would go to the end of the Earth for them. They were always supplied with festive clothing, back to school supplies, Easter baskets, about one thousand Christmas presents, and tons of love.

Paula loved her Phillies and Eagles games. She watched every game of the season that she could. Her favorite place to visit with her family growing up and with her children and grandchildren was Wildwood, New Jersey. She spent vacation weeks, Irish weekend, 50s and 60s weekends, along with she and Sam's birthday weekends there. She could tell you what restaurant or bar was on what street throughout the whole town. Paula was very well known as a human GPS , even though she didn't drive. No matter where you were going, in Delaware or Wildwood she could get you there.

Most importantly she had a way of lifting anyone up when they were down and was always there in a time of need. The hole in our hearts with her absence can never be filled.

In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her sister, Marianne Patille; her husband, Sam; her brother, Marty Kirk; and her cousin, Danielle Messina.

Paula will be dearly missed by her children and grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Patty Dougherty and Sheila Whitehead; her lifelong friends, Paula Setting and Susan Marusco, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

We would like to thank Christiana Care Cardiac ICU and Accent Care Hospice.

A viewing will be held at Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home, 1400 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilm., DE 19805, on Monday, November 24 from 6:00 pm -8:00 pm. A second viewing will take place at the funeral home from 9:30 am -10:30 am on Tuesday, November 25. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church, 901 N. DuPont St., Wilm., DE at 11:00 am. Burial will take place at All Saints Cemetery.

The family invites guests to celebrate Paula by wearing something to the visitation that reflects one of her favorite things—Wildwood, Christmas, the Phillies or Notre Dame/Irish apparel.

In lieu of flowers, please do something Paula would do: drink a white claw, laugh at your own joke, be kind in any situation, and create lasting, loving family traditions and memories.