Oneonta, NY - ONEONTA - Paula June Morey Waghorn, 83, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, went to be with the Lord on July 18, 2026. Most recently, she was a resident of A.O. Fox Nursing Home, where she made friends with staff and residents alike.

Paula was born in 1943 at Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich to Dorothy and Dever Morey. She grew up in Earlville, before marrying Robert Waghorn on July 8, 1961. She attended and graduated from the State University of New York at Oneonta in 1964 before beginning her career as a first-grade teacher. When she and Bob were ready to start a family, Paula chose to become a stay-at-home mom until her children were more self-sufficient.

She later returned to the workforce in several positions that allowed her to do what she did best - talking with and helping others. Paula worked as a school aide, a dental receptionist, store manager at Moon Dreams, a New Age bookstore in Cooperstown, and a receptionist at Bettiol Chiropractic and Bassett Healthcare. Upon retirement she volunteered with the A.O. Fox Auxiliary, Helios Care hospice, and the Helios Thrift Shop. Besides volunteering, she enjoyed playing mahjong, reading, and participating in book groups.

Paula was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church for more than 60 years. Together with her husband, Bob, she participated in Marriage Encounter and remained close friends with the Knudson, Downie, and Bartoo families for decades. She served on the Vestry, sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, was a member of Daughters of the King, participated in the church's mission work in the Dominican Republic, and volunteered at The Lord's Table. She deeply loved her St. James church family, especially her coffee hour friends.

Paula was a kind and loving person. Like her own mother, she cherished her family and many lifelong friends. She enjoyed spending time with friends, her cousins, and her dear lifelong family friend, Ethel Terhune of New Jersey. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren fondly remember "Neenee" always showing up. She and "Poppop" rarely missed plays, recitals, sporting events, or other special moments. Sharing meals, playing games, visiting, and simply spending time with those she loved brought her great joy.

Paula will be remembered by many for her kindness and warm smile. By her family, she will be remembered for her unwavering faith in God, her loving and caring nature, and her remarkable ability to worry about everything—a trait she lovingly passed on to all of her children and grandchildren. While the days ahead will not be the same without her, their hearts are filled with treasured memories of a life well lived and deeply loved.

Paula is survived by her brother, Kenneth Morey (Karen) of Sanford, North Carolina; children, Larisa Waghorn-Muller (Mark Muller) of Gilbertsville, Todd Waghorn, and Aaron Waghorn (Jane Smart) of Eugene, Oregon; granddaughter, Hannah Strenck (Derek Frank); grandsons, Michael Strenck (Heather Strenck) of New Fairfield, Connecticut, Jack and Mason Waghorn of Eugene, Oregon, and Veronica Smart of Eugene, Oregon; and great-grandchildren, Felicity, Roczen, Hudson Hamilton, Johannah Frank, and Ronan Strenck.

Paula donated her earthly remains to the Albany Medical College Anatomical Gift Program to help educate future healthcare professionals.

A celebration of Paula's life will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 28 at St. James Episcopal Church, 305 Main Street, Oneonta, with a reception to follow.

Memorial donations may be made to Helios Care of Oneonta, 297 River Street Service Road, Suite 1, Oneonta, NY 13820, or to the Oneonta Fire Department Rescue Fund, 81 Main Street, Oneonta, NY 13820.