Obituary of Paula A. Stopera

PAULA A. STOPERA Cohoes--Paula A. Stopera, 64 of Cohoes, entered peacefully into eternal life on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at Glens Falls Hospital after a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. To know her was to love her, to adore her and to be inspired by her. Paula was survived by her beloved daughter and son-in-law, Amanda and Christopher Goyer, her grandchildren Roen and Noah Goyer, and her children's father, Frank T. Stopera. She was surrounded by her loving family at the time of her passing. Her hands were in those of her treasured daughter and sister Cindy. Additional surviving family members include her sisters, Cynthia (Kevin) Dennin and Colleen Place, as well as her brother Michael (Cheryl) Smith. Family was most important to Paula and she had a large, extensive one who was very special to her. She was predeceased by her parents Michael and Carol Smith, her sister Diane Smith, her sister-in-law Cheryl Smith, and one of her greatest loves, her son, Alexander Stopera. Paula was greeted with open arms by her angels at heaven's gates. Paula took great pride in her work and had a successful and distinguished career. She was a sought-after advisor and mentor to many. She began her career as a member relations officer at CAP COM Federal Credit Union 40 years ago. Paula retired in 2019, after a 15-year tenure as President/CEO of what is today, one of the largest Credit Unions in the Capital Region. One of the proudest moments in her career was the founding of the CAP COM Cares Foundation. The Foundation became her avenue for making a difference in the lives of others alongside her CAP COM "army" of colleagues, who became her friends and family. Paula was happiest at Lake George where she made the most cherished memories of her lifetime with her family and closest friends. Her grandsons Roen and Noah "owned her heart" and had such a special bond with their "Pooch," as they lovingly called her. She spent her final days with them at the Lake. She left this world in peace, unafraid and hopeful for the future where she would meet her God and be reunited with her son. She is beloved and her mark will be felt for eternity. The family requests no flowers, family and friends are invited to make a donation in honor of Paula to organizations that are near to her heart: CAP COM Cares Foundation 4 Winners Circle Albany, NY 12205 Our Lady of the Assumption Church 498 Watervliet Shaker Road Latham, NY 12110 Her family thanks the community and those who loved her for the outpouring of love, prayers and heartfelt messages that celebrate her legacy. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday July 12, 2021 at 9:00 am in Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 498 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham with Rev. Geoffrey Burke officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to call Sunday July 11, 2021 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at Our Lady of the Assumption Church. Interment will be next to her beloved son Alexander in Memory's Garden, Colonie. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home in Latham. For directions, information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.