Paula K. Midock

Date of Death: December 30, 2021

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visitation

Amherst Chapel

1600 Amherst Street

Winchester, VA 22601

Monday 1/10, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

service

Location Not Available

Monday 1/10, 5:00 pm

Private service that will be livestreamed on this page

Private

memorial

Memorial contributions may be made to

Restless Leg Syndrome Foundation(https://www.rls.org/donate-2020)

3006 Bee Cave Road, Suite D206

Austin, Texas 78746

Blue Ridge Land Conservancy (https://www.blueridgelandconservancy.org/become-a-friend.html)

The Lemon House

1305 Maple Avenue SW

Roanoke, VA 24016

Paula K. Midock, 68, of Frederick County, Virginia, passed away Thursday, December 30, at Winchester Medical Center with her family at her side.

Mrs. Midock was born in Hot Springs, Virginia, the daughter of the late Mabel L. and Waldo T. Neff.

Paula was a graduate of Valley High School, class of 1971. She received her bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Vocal Performance from James Madison University; a master’s degree in Special Education from Radford University, followed by a second master’s degree in Music Therapy. In her early career, she was a music teacher (in Rockbridge County Virginia) and taught children with learning disabilities (in Monroe County, West Virginia). After moving to the Winchester area, Paula founded the “Music to Grow On” program at the Shenandoah Conservatory Arts Academy. Paula was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church where she also served as a director of the Joyful Voices Children’s Choir and a Cantor. Paula believed in the power of music to transform lives and over the course of her lifetime shared her love of music with thousands of children and families. In 2004 Paula joined Frederick County Public Schools of Virginia, first as a special needs pre-school teacher and later as the Music Therapist for the NREP program. She left the school system in 2018 and continued to blossom and thrive during her retirement.

Paula was an avid reader who continually challenged herself to grow and learn. She enjoyed gardening, knitting, scrapbooking, culinary arts, and word games; she continued to refine her talents as a musician and was passionate about photography as well as watercolor painting. While she was a woman of many talents, she was an extraordinary wife, mother, and grandmother. Paula married Dr. Randall L. Midock 38 years ago in Pearisburg, Virginia; they had two daughters, McKenzie and Elizabeth Hope.

In terms of personal philosophy, Paula was passionate about the environment and spent many hours connecting with the divine through nature. In contemplating death, Paula wrote “I may fly away, but I will fly back. Just listen for the song of the morning bird and the rustling of the leaves of any oak tree, and I’ll be there.”

Surviving with her husband are their two daughters: McKenzie Midock (James) of Alexandria, Virginia and Elizabeth Hope Midock of San Antonio, Texas, one grandson: Bennett Midock of Alexandria, Virginia, two brothers: Gregory Neff (Tracy) of Stanbury, Utah and Richard Neff (Elaine) of Hot Springs, Virginia, and two sisters-in-law: Darlene Revell (John) of Edinboro, Pennsylvania and Deanna Skena (Gary) of Monroeville, Pennsylvania. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and her canine companions, Findley and Fiona.

Due to COVID precautions, a private service for Paula will be livestreamed on Monday, January 10, 2022 at 5 pm. Please join us virtually by clicking the livestream link below. There will also be an opportunity for friends and the public to pay their respects during visitation hours at the funeral home from 10 am – 3 pm on Monday, January 10, 2022. Arrangements are being handled by Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of Paula Midock to the Restless Leg Syndrome Foundation (https://www.rls.org/donate-2020), 3006 Bee Cave Road Suite D206, Austin, Texas 78746 or to the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy (https://www.blueridgelandconservancy.org/become-a-friend.html) The Lemon House, 1305 Maple Avenue SW, Roanoke, VA 24016.

Susan Madden

Ariel Johnson

Kimberly Schreckengost

Christian Pritchard

Bethanne

Sandra Petroff Cummings

Edward and Mary Clare Sumner

Tricia Stine

David and Pam Reichert

Sonya

Valerie Larkin

Lynda Neff Thompson

Amherst Chapel

1600 Amherst Street

Winchester, VA 22601

Map

Monday 1/10, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Location Not Available

Monday 1/10, 5:00 pm

Private service that will be livestreamed on this page

Private

Memorial contributions may be made to

Restless Leg Syndrome Foundation(https://www.rls.org/donate-2020)

3006 Bee Cave Road, Suite D206

Austin, Texas 78746

Blue Ridge Land Conservancy (https://www.blueridgelandconservancy.org/become-a-friend.html)

The Lemon House

1305 Maple Avenue SW

Roanoke, VA 24016

Paula K. Midock, 68, of Frederick County, Virginia, passed away Thursday, December 30, at Winchester Medical Center with her family at her side. Mrs. Midock was born in Hot Springs, Virginia, the daughter of the late Mabel L. and Waldo T. Neff. Paula was a graduate of Valley High School, class of 1971. She receivedContinue Reading

See Condolences

Randy I just found out about the death of Paula. I am so sorry for your loss. Although, I never met her, your love for her showed every time you talked about her. Sending prayers for continued comfort and strength during this year of all the first's without Paula. Know that you are being thought of and cared about. Carol Henry

Our prayers continue for you, Randy, McKenzie, Hope, James and Bennett, we would like to say that Paula's service was beautiful, heartwarming and memorable as you honored her wishes. McKenzie and Hope your voices were music to her heavenly ears, no doubt, as well as those of us many who joined the streaming service. The wonderful displays you all put together gave us more memories to hold onto the love and laughs she shared with us and our CFM and OFC families. Thank you for sharing this service for our dear beloved Paula. We love you all.

I am so very sorry for your loss. I worked with Paula at NREP for quite a few years. I have so many memories of her at school as a preschool teacher as well as a music therapist. But some of the most precious memories are the conversations I got to have with her while we traveled to conferences (Pittsburgh, Richmond, Virginia Beach) and roomed together. She was such a gentle person. I know she loved her family more than anything. I am a better person for having known Paula. Will keep the memories until we meet again.

I’m so sorry for your loss.

My hearts breaks for the loss of Paula, but my smile widens just thinking of her in all her glory in heaven. She was one-of-a-kind and will be sorely missed. Love and prayers to all who knew and loved her, especially her beautiful family. I wish you peace.

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

I am so very sorry to hear of Paula's passing. She was a beautiful person that will always be remembered. Much love to all of her family and friends.

Love and thoughts to all the family from England

A mother’s hug lasts long after she lets go...

As a Sacred Heart organist, I played on a weekly basis with Paula as cantor, for many years. The first time we worked together I put my hands on her shoulders, frightening her because she didn’t know what I had in mind, and told her she had the most gorgeous voice. She visibly relaxed. ? She was pleasant and cheerful to work with and always laughed with me. I would bring unfamiliar music and ask if she would sing it, and she was always game. She and her daughters sang every Christmas at St. Bridget’s (where I also played) to everyone’s delight. I felt a special connection with her through this music relationship, but also because she was personable. To me, she modeled great love towards her husband and girls, and I hold these memories as valuable. I am shocked and saddened by her sudden passing, and hope for comfort and peace for her daughters and Randy. Hugs and prayers. ?

Paula was a star on this earth. I was honored and blessed to call her my friend. Paula left a forever mark on my heart. My thoughts and caring energy are with her greatest loves Randy, McKenzie and Hope. May you continue to feel her love.

In memory of Paula K. Midock, Sandra Petroff Cummings lit a candle

As newcomers to Winchester Paula and Randy welcomed us to their home and to Sacred Heart parish and Sacred Heart choir. I always looked forward to Thursday evenings of fellowship and singing next to Paula in the soprano section. Her love of music and her praise of God and the way that music filled her soul touched the lives of so many young people and those who heard her sing or had the chance to sing with her. I feel blessed to have been one of them. I know that she is adding that beautiful voice to the heavenly choir. Sing on,Paula. Nick and I are sending our love and prayers to you all, Randy, Mackenzie, and Hope.

Our deepest sympathy Randy and family on the passing of your beloved Paula ?? God will give you the strength, support, and love needed at this difficult time. We truly cherish our CFM memories. With love and prayers, Ed and Mary Clare Sumner

Randy and family, I was so very saddened to hear of the loss of Paula and am so very for your loss. . May your faith carry you through this most difficult time. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless all of you. Love, Tricia

Sending love and prayers to the family .. Paula was so loved and admired and will always be in our hearts

Marsha, Thomas and I are shocked and saddened that Paula has died. She was such a friendly and lively presence that her death is hard to imagine. She greatly enriched our community and taught Thomas to love music. Our hearts go out to Randy, to their daughters, and to all who loved her.

Dear Randy, McKenzie, and Hope, Bob and I were stunned to learn that Paula had passed away. We remember her for her kind spirit, good humor and many talents. Please accept our deepest condolences as you adjust to a life without your dear wife and mother. Affectionately, Karen Walker and Bob Larson

My heart breaks A spirit of such joy Untimely taken Making music somewhere, I hope Or, at least, hearing it gloriously made Such unfiltered love, acceptance, laughter Wit, intelligence and openness to the wild world You will be remembered in the bones Sung praises to that would have made you blush You have two strong daughters, with roots in the ground And a wee one (a grandson) who will know you through His mother’s memories And his father’s And his grandfather’s And his aunt’s And his father’s And many others whom I do not know Who will remember, in turn, a mother who loved like a lioness. with gentleness And who was vulnerable And believed, therefore, I think, that nothing in life is simple But who nonetheless lived simply With her North Star being To love those she loved Completely Without judgement or reservation And that was a blessing For those of us Who came to know her Even a little

In memory of Paula K. Midock, Valerie Larkin lit a candle

We had such a wonderful opportunity to share doing Covenant Weekends with Paula and Randy. What a talented, loving and amazing woman. The world was a better place because of her. Paula will be missed

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

Randy and Family, Paula was a bright light whenever we were with her. Paula was warm and welcoming when we visited after several years away. We enjoyed sharing an Easter dinner with you when the children were young. We will always remember Paula’s musical gifts, her great laugh and inclusive ways! God bless Paula and you, her beloved ones. Sincerely, Ginnie and Chris

Paula and I were first cousins. I have so many wonderful memories of growing up, going to school and college, and singing with her. She will be missed and remembered.

We feel very blessed to have known Paula. She put human in the word Human with her kind and caring soul. Many fond memories flooded my mind remember those great Christian Family Movement years. God bless Paula's soul, which I'm sure is now busy fine tuning a chorus of Angels.

Rick...and family.....So sorry about the passing away of your dear sister....I remember her beautiful voice.....so talented. Again, so sorry and hoping and praying for The Comforter's presence to be ever so close to you at this time.. Steve and Laura Shaver

Miss Paula inspired my work with using music with young children during my music therapy practicum and internship, and much of the work that I continue to do today came from her. She was a wonderful lady, and I loved learning from her. My prayers are with her family and all those who knew her. I will miss her dearly.

My deepest sympathy. Paula was such an inspiration to all of us! Gone but not forgotten.

It is with great sadness that I am writing these words . Paula was the kindest most loving person I’ve ever met . We came to the old church and she welcomed us with open arms , took my son Anthony in the children choir and since then we became friends . She has touched so many lives . She is at peace now with the Lord and watching over her family and us and most importantly she is happy and at peace My condolences to Randy , McKenzie and Hope

Paula was the sweetest soul I have ever met. Her smile could light up a room. And her voice was like an Angel singing.

She was the first music teacher at SCAA in 2000 for my boys, ages 2 and 4 at the time. We had just moved here and I wanted to get them involved somehow in music. I remember her "Hello, hello, hello" song so clearly. She loved music and those children. So long ago--and only knew her then and for those few short weeks. This is very sad. God be with her family!

Mrs. Midock, thank you for the music... :'(

Dear Randy and family, We send our deepest condolences to you. Paula was a light in this world. When our twins, aged 2 at the time. attended her Kindermusik class, she was always patient and positive. Crossing paths with her at Armel all those years ago was always a bright spot in our days. May you be surrounded with love and support. Joyce and Geoff

Paula,. Our families merged when Mckenzie married James . We discovered your gentle kindness & beautiful spirit right away! While losing you so suddenly has been heartbreaking, we are comforted knowing we can find you in the morning birdsongs! Be at peace.

Many memories of watching music make a difference in the lives of children. She was magical with her music! We were blessed to have her teach at NREP.

I'm so very sorry. Paula and I grew up in the same church (Ashwood UMC), the same Bath County schools, and had the same piano teacher (in the attached newspaper photo, I am on the far left and Paula is on the far right of the first row of Mrs. McMullen’s piano/voice students). We sang in the same high school choir and served together on the yearbook staff...and shared many other adventures, including my accompanying her many times when she sang beautifully at church and school. I haven’t seen Paula for many years, but often spoke to her mother, Mabel, about her. Mabel was so very proud of Paula…her face would just beam when I asked what Paula was up to. In recent years, following Paula on Facebook, I found an inspiration and truth-speaker; a person who cared so very much about her family, her friends, and our world. You are all in my prayers as you deal with this devastating loss. Kathy Haynes Johnson, Hot Springs, VA

Paula was definitely a role model for me! I met her during my music therapy practicum and spent the following years learning from her. She was an inspiration to me, fellow music therapy students and many, many students at NREP. She left quite a legacy at NREP and I can only hope to live up to her expectations! Paula, you will be missed, but your music will live on in the hearts of many!!

To Randy, family and friends of Paula Mike and I are so saddened by an overwhelming disbelief for the loss of Paula. The memories of her singing, teaching her students, being a mom to her daughters and an awesome wife to Randy are blips in time that bring a warmth and a smile to us.She was truth! She was love! She was honest! Being around Paula felt good! God blessed us with His spirit through Paula when we crossed paths. What a Light! Rest peacefully! We are truly blessed to have known her.

In memory of Paula K. Midock, Natia Lunghi lit a candle

Happy memories of one who came into our lives for many reasons and many seasons - soprano in the Sacred Heart Adult Choir, director of the Sacred Heart Joyful Voices, fun times and dinners with choir friends, "parallel pregnancies" with Hope and Monica, neighbors for a brief time, a road trip to New Orleans - just a smattering of all that we shared. The Heavenly Choir rejoices to welcome her into the soprano section as they eternally sing the praises of God. So raise a glass to the soul that was Paula Midock and say a prayer of thanks for all that she did while she was in our lives.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.