Paula Marie (Leischen) Hensel, age 90, passed away peacefully from Alzheimer's on Tuesday, February 24th, 2026, leaving behind a rich legacy of love, devotion, and service. Born to Marie and Nicholas Leischen in Queens, New York, Paula spent her formative years between New York and Miami, Florida, where she built the foundation of a remarkable life filled with compassion, faith, and family.
Paula graduated from the University of Miami and dedicated 34 distinguished years to the Veterans Administration Hospitals. Her career was marked by unwavering commitment and exemplary leadership, culminating in her role as Chief of Dietetics at the VA Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. Paula's work ethic and care touched the lives of countless veterans and colleagues, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege to work alongside her.
Paula's greatest joy was her family. She married her beloved husband, John Hensel, and together they built a loving home for 53 years. With grace and warmth, Paula embraced John's children from his previous marriage—Chris, Allyson, and Matt—as her own, and later welcomed their children together: John II, Annamarie, and Stephanie. Over the years, they lived in several communities, including Miami, FL; Marietta, GA; Sheridan, WY; Coatesville, PA; Brooklyn, NY; Leonardtown, MD; and lastly Canton, GA where Paula received insurmountable care from her loving daughter Annamarie and son-in-law James Vasiloff.
A woman of profound faith, Paula was a devoted Catholic and a long-time member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Marietta, GA, and later, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Alpharetta, GA. She found joy in her church communities, where her kindness and generosity shone brightly.
Paula was an avid chef, and her kitchen was always filled with laughter, warmth, and the delicious aromas of her culinary creations. She loved entertaining family and friends, bringing people together over meals and celebrations. Her love for dancing and enjoying life's moments was contagious, and she will be fondly remembered for her joyful spirit and zest for life.
Paula is survived by her children Chris (Sattie) Hensel, Allyson McCormack, Matt (Shannon) Hensel, John (Jeannie) Hensel II, Annamarie (James) Vasiloff, and Stephanie (Brian) Folse, her beloved sister Terrie Rigney, her 16 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.
A funeral mass is scheduled for Friday, June 26th at 10am with a reception following at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. 535 Rucker Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004. Graveside services will follow at the Georgia National Cemetery at 1:30pm, 1080 Scott Hudgens Drive, Canton, GA. 30114.