Paula J. Colgate, 53 of Canal Fulton, passed away Monday, February 16, 2026 at home surrounded by family. Born December 17, 1972 to the late Paul and Martha Brosch, she was a 1991 graduate of Northwest High School and attended Canal Fulton Christian Fellowship. Paula worked for JR Engineering in Barberton years ago where she met her husband, and more recently was a Pharmacy Tech at CVS in Jackson Twp.

Paula enjoyed traveling to Disney and taking trips to visit family in Colorado. She loved riding bikes with the kids, driving her Mustang, even taking their family, in their Mustangs across Route 66- and occasionally drag racing at Dragway 42. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family. As a 'boy mom' cars, model airplanes, concerts were always in the things to do list. Most of all, Paula was known for her big heart, strong will, and infectious smile.

Paula is survived by her husband of 30 years, Tim Colgate; sons, Nick, Michael, Bobby and Bill (Bella Johnson) Colgate; sister, Carol (Steven) Tomcsik; nephews, Ryan and Grant Tomcsik; cousin, Leona Roe; special family members, Jennifer Starcher, Eric and Jeremy Ryan, who were always loved as her own kids. The family would like to thank friends Lisa, Amber, Rebecca, Dianne, and everyone at Cleveland Clinic Oncology especially Danielle and Crystal for their love and support to Paula during this difficult journey. The family also wishes to extend their sincerest thanks to Canal Creative and the Northwest School Staff for arranging the opportunity for Paula to attend an early graduation last week for her youngest son, a goal she had set 18 years ago amid serious health issues- and she made it, with their help at the end.

Visitation will be held SATURDAY, February 21, 2026, 11:00am to 1:00pm at the Swigart-Easterling Funeral Home, 624 Cherry St. E. (Rt. 93) Canal Fulton with a funeral service immediately following at 1:00pm. Burial at Clinton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Canal Creative, 311 High St. NE, Canal Fulton, OH 44614 or online at www.canalcreativeoh.com so they can continue to work miracles for others in the community.