Paula Marie Cato

Paula Marie Phelan Cato, 64, of Aiken, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2025. Born in Aiken, South Carolina on April 24, 1961, she was the daughter of the late Jerry and Faye Rebecca Phelan.

For more than 20 years, Paula devoted her time and heart to the students of J.D. Lever Elementary School, where she worked as a teacher’s aide and served in several roles. Her kindness, patience, and gentle spirit left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Paula was married to the late Charles Hubert Cato, Sr., with whom she shared a life filled with love, laughter, and family. She is survived by her beloved sons, Alex Bafford (Morgan), Charles Cato (Kelley), and Chris Cato (Kristen) and daughter, Jori LaChance(Michael). She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Mason, Sydney, Ava, Ashton, Gage, Jonas, Hartley, Arwen, and Guinevere.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Patrick Jerome Phelan, Jr.

Paula had a love for reading, gardening, animals, and the music of Led Zeppelin. Her warmth, humor, and compassion will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 o’clock on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Old St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Aiken, preceded by a visitation beginning at 10 o’clock. Burial will be private at Aiken Memorial Gardens.

Milton Shealy Funeral Home is assisting the family.