Paula Marie Meek RN, PhD, passed on peacefully at home surrounded by her partner and family on July 29, 2026 soon after a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. She was born on July 18, 1955 in Boise, Idaho to Charles L. and Anna L. Meek. She was the lifetime partner of Suzanne (Sue) Lareau. She is the oldest of four children, Steven Meek (Shauna), Michael Meek (Astrid) and Marianne Meek-Slagowski (Darek) and numerous nieces, nephews, an aunt (Jane Baldwin) and uncle (Craig Miller). She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from BYU School of Nursing, a Master’s degree in Nursing from the University of Washington and a PhD in Nursing from the University of Arizona with a minor in Cognitive Psychology.

Paula dedicated her life to caring for others, advancing nursing science, mentoring future healthcare professionals, and improving lives of countless patients. Her legacy will live on not only through her work, but through the many lives she touched with her compassion, wisdom, curiosity, and unwavering kindness.

Paula was more than an Adviser to many students, faculty, staff, colleagues and family. Her wise and “often passionate” guidance and support extended into decades.

As people have remembered Paula they shared prolific personal experiences of love, support, kindness, and extraordinary mentoring, especially when individuals were struggling or having challenges. Paula had a particular talent for seeing people and bringing light to everyone she met. She invested deeply in people, nurtured curiosity and modeled integrity. As one colleague stated, ‘’if you haven’t met Paula, then you are missing out”. Paula had a wicked sense of humor and an infectious smile. She collected Legos like treasures and her pen collection was worthy of the Smithsonian. Her biggest joy was giving PhD graduates gregarious sunglasses often from her own vault. Even cancer could not get the better of her radiant smile [photo of fuck cancer sunglasses could go here].

“We didn’t talk a lot but whenever I had a big career decision to make, I always remind myself to think like Paula and this always gives me confidence.” PhD Graduate-Middle East.

Paula was humble about her many awards, honors and scientific contributions over her career, yet colleagues found her to be “the smartest person in the room and all learned from her.” She was well traveled and invited to speak in the UK, Europe and the Middle East.

As we grieve her loss, we also celebrate a life that was lived with purpose, generosity, and love. In lieu of flowers we invite you to donate to the University of Utah, College of Nursing, Endowed PhD Scholarship to honor Paula Meek, PhD, ATSF, FAAN; for her legacy of mentoring, support and inspiration that we hope will keep Paula’s personal and professional gifts alive for decades to come. Please go to https://donate.utah.edu/honoring-the-legacy-of-paula-meek, or contact Jenna Hoff, MDiv, Principal Director of Advancement, Health Academics, University Advancement University of Utah Health, 332 South 1400 East, Suite 160, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0300.