Paula Beth Gaydosh, of Wheeling, WV, aged 81, died on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at home. With her were her partner, her siblings, her sister-in-law, and her best friend.
Paula was born on January 12, 1945, in Philadelphia, PA, eldest daughter of Jimmie Beth Morrison Gaydosh and Francis Joseph Gaydosh, M.D. She spent most of her life in Wheeling, graduating from Mount de Chantal Academy and attending West Virginia University, where she joined Delta Gamma Sorority, following in her mother’s footsteps.
Paula started her career at Union Federal Savings and Loan. Subsequently, she worked as an executive administrative assistant at Oglebay Institute, L.S. Good & Co., and Wheeling- Pittsburgh Steel Corporation, from which she retired in 2007. From then until her return to Wheeling in 2022, she shared a home with her sister, Ann, in Davenport, IA. Paula enjoyed years of animal husbandry, tending dozens of chickens, a herd of Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys, and a variety of stray and rescued cats and dogs.
Among Paula’s most-loved memories were her many trips to Webster Springs, WV, birthplace of her mother and home of her beloved “Grandmother Polly”, Pauline Marsh Janes. Early visits comprised four generations of women; later visits included forays to the Elk River with her devoted dog, Zack. Very recently, she rediscovered the home of her grandmother, when she lived in East Liberty, OH. Paula fondly remembered hundreds of bareback rides on her beloved Ginger. Her face always lit up while talking about how peaceful, loving, and fun her experiences were.
In her later years, Paula enjoyed the constant company of Emmy, a sweet orange tabby cat who strayed into her life and stayed, watching videos online to laugh at and to share, and learning how true crime cases played out. Lucy, a rescued AmStaff, was part of Paula’s day for three years, waking her each morning, giving kisses, and accompanying her on errands and walks. They had a special bond that lives on in spirit. She was blessed with companionship, care, love, and support from Alex and her family members.
Surviving are her long-time partner, Alex C. Fortuna, Jr., of Wheeling; brother, Michael C. Gaydosh (Becky), also of Wheeling; sister and caregiver, Ann M. Gaydosh; sister, Julia Lee Gaydosh Wilson (Roger), of Kennesaw, GA; nieces Amanda Shea Hatcher (Charlie), of Lewisburg, WV, Beth Ann Erbst and Denise M. Voorhees, of Davenport, IA; nephew Michael R. Gaydosh (Kyria), of Sebastian, FL; four great-nieces, Alexis, Ruby, Gabbi, and Wren; and two great- nephews, Eythan and Isayah.
Paula’s private arrangements have been entrusted to Altmeyer Funeral Homes Elm Grove Chapel. According to Paula’s wishes, there will be no visitation; following cremation, loved ones will scatter her ashes in Webster Springs, WV.
