Paula McCracken, 103, of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2026. She was the wife of the late Rex Hugh McCracken.

Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, she was the daughter of the late Jose Perez Castillo and Rosario Colomer Aguilar.

Paula’s love for the ocean began in early childhood. She was raised at Fajardo Lighthouse where her grandfather had been appointed lighthouse keeper in the days of Spanish rule in Puerto Rico. Her father later took over the post following in his father’s footsteps. Her family reached far and wide. Among her dear relatives was her cousin, Don Teodomiro Aguilar Colomer, who served as Spain’s consul to Puerto Rico. Her family extended across the ocean, just as her love for them was evident to all who knew her. With her natural “green thumb” she enjoyed gardening, the ocean, and her beloved family. Paula was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church, Bethlehem Township.

Surviving are her son, Rex McCracken, and wife Lynn in Arizona; Carol DeRemer, and husband Gary of Bethlehem Township; four grandchildren, Rex Jason, Kelly Kucher, Gary Sean, and Nicole Grim; eight great-grandchildren, Luke and Lilly McCracken, Emma and Charles Kucher, Riley and Logan DeRemer, William and Elliott Grim.

Family and friends are invited to visitation from 2:00 – 3:00 PM on Tuesday, November 3, followed by a funeral service at 3:00 PM in the Pearson Funeral Home, 1901 Linden Street, Bethlehem. Her burial will take place at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, November 4, in Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 350 Province Line Road, Wrightstown, NJ 08562.

Memorial donations in Paula’s memory may be sent to Epworth United Methodist Church, 3245 Oakland Road, Bethlehem, PA 18020.