Paula Bixby

Paula Jean Bixby (Bruno) age 65, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on July 9, 2022.  Paula was born and raised in Erie, PA by the late John & Rose Marie Bruno, along with her five siblings. 

She was known from a young age for her affinity for animals and love of dance. She graduated from Strong Vincent High School in 1974 and followed her passion for fashion & retail to pursue a career at the boutique Body English. Her decision to enter retail became her lifelong career and led her to meet her husband of 43 years, Chet. She was soon recruited to work for The Limited, where her tireless work ethic, creativity, engaging personality, and keen fashion sense made her one of their most successful general managers - multiple years in a row.  

After becoming a mother, Paula decided to retire from The Limited and focus on her family but she never had the ability to stop juggling 5 things at once so she went into business with her husband opening Bixby & Co. Jewelers in Atlanta, GA, in 1983. Paula & Chet loved working together as an incredible team and did so for 40 years. In 1988 they couldn’t pass up an opportunity to purchase a local jewelry store in their home town and bought Filip Jewelers, returning to Erie. They later moved the store front & renamed it to Lighthouse Jewelers by Filip in 2002. Paula & Chet moved to the Frontier neighborhood upon their return to Erie to raise their 3 children, making many incredible friends. She only slowed down slightly in retail once she received her favorite promotion of becoming “Nana”. Paula had a smile almost as big as her heart, which showed in her strong love of family, friends & animals. She was known for her red hair, fabulous fashion sense, and was always the first one on the dance floor. She loved a good party, hosting holidays, and any excuse to go shopping.

Paula was preceded in death by her parents John & Rose Marie Bruno, infant sister Marilyn, many special aunts & uncles as well as her many loved dogs through the years.

Paula is lovingly survived by her devoted husband & business partner, Chet; her three children Brian (Jenn) Bixby, John (Amanda) Bixby, Hillary (Patrick) Bixby O’Neil; and her four beautiful grandchildren Lincoln, Penelope, Juniper & Jacob Bixby,  who all brought her the most joy she could have imagined. She is further survived by siblings Donna (Royce) Terrell, Joyce Massalo, Kathy (Ken) Baker, Mark (Patty) Bruno, Carla Bruno. She also held a very special place in her six nieces’ lives, as well as her great niece and nephews (everyone loved Aunt Paula). She will be missed by her many cousins, dear friends & her beloved German Shepard, Karma. 

Friends may call on the family at Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services, West Ridge, 3801 W. 26^th St. on Wednesday July 13^th from 2-4 PM & 6-8 PM and are invited to attend prayer services there on Thursday at 9:30 AM followed by a funeral mass at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 130 E. 4^th St. 

Memorials may be made to Hope on Horseback, The A.N.N.A. Shelter, Erie Area Rabbit Society & Rescue or any local animal shelter of choice.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com.