Surrounded by her family, Paula Slesar, in her 62nd year, peacefully passed away at her Ottawa home on August 31, 2026, a date of her choosing, with the compassionate assistance of MAID. Paula's final days were spent surrounded by her loving family and closest friends.

Paula will be sadly missed by her husband, Jeff Boxer; her children, Shiyan, Grace, and Rudy Boxer; her faithful retrievers, Bruno and Hugo; and her cat, Romeo. Paula will also be deeply missed by her sister, Katherine Miller-Decker (Robert); her brother, Marc Slesar (Christina); her cousins, nieces, and nephews; and her many friends, including Chris Seeley and Jane Weldon. She was predeceased by her father, Rudolph Slesar; her mother, Angeline Slesar; and her sister, Stephanie Slesar.

Paula retired in 2019 following a long and distinguished career with the Ottawa District School Board, where she rose through the ranks as an educator and ultimately served as a principal. Paula followed in the footsteps of her father, Rudy, an academic and educator who worked extensively in Indigenous communities in Northern Quebec, where Paula herself was born. He was a passionate champion of Indigenous communities and believed deeply in the importance of respecting those whose voices were too often overlooked. Those values became a defining part of Paula's own career in education.

Throughout her career, Paula was a fierce advocate for newcomers to Canada and a strong supporter of parents who struggled with an unfamiliar education system or were unsure how to navigate it. She made it her mission to help them find their way. Paula was also never afraid of the occasional dust-up with senior management if she believed that students' needs were not being met and that additional resources were necessary. Paula cared deeply about doing what was right for her students and their families and was willing to speak up when their voices needed to be heard.

Paula was a lifelong animal lover, with a particular love for dogs. She understood the special bond between people and their dogs, not just as members of the family, but also the remarkable things that we can learn from them. She was at the forefront of introducing therapy dogs and expanding the program in Ottawa schools. Paula knew that a dog could often reach a child in ways that an adult could not. A child who struggled to read could sit beside a dog and read aloud, discovering that learning could be comforting and free of judgment. Children who struggled with emotional regulation were often calmer with a dog nearby. The program she helped champion has grown exponentially.

One of Paula's proudest accomplishments as a principal was leading Pleasant Park Public School, her community school. During that time, she provided exceptional continuity and leadership and took great pride in assembling a dedicated team of highly capable professionals who shared her commitment to the school and its students. She was especially thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as principal while all three of her children were students at Pleasant Park - a special chapter in both her professional and family life.

All of Paula's considerable accomplishments as an educator were ultimately eclipsed by her greatest role: that of being a mother. After a brief delay, Paula and Jeff were blessed with three children in just two and a half years: Shiyan, Grace, and Rudy. From that moment on, their care and well-being were Paula's highest priority. She gave her children unlimited love, support, guidance, and encouragement throughout their lives. Paula was their mentor and greatest cheerleader, always encouraging them to discover their strengths, pursue their interests, and experience all that life has to offer.

Paula had an artist's spirit. From an early age, she loved theatre, enjoyed performing, created art, and had a natural gift for writing. Her creativity and imagination were an important part of who she was, and she carried that spirit throughout her life. She delighted in sharing her love of the arts with her children, encouraging them to explore their own creativity and interests. Whether it was piano recitals, hockey, gymnastics, school activities, or the everyday moments of growing up, Paula was there - always engaged, always encouraging, and always immensely proud of her children. Paula also believed deeply in exposing her children to the richness of life. As a lover of live theatre, she organized annual family trips to the Shakespeare theatre in Stratford, introducing her children to the magic of the stage. Summer brought memorable family trips to Sandbanks and time together on the beach, as well as vacations at a cottage near Gracefield, swimming with the kids and the dogs at Lac Profond. In between hockey and gymnastics activities, winters were often spent skiing at Mont-Blanc in the Tremblant area, along with frequent visits to Château Montebello. Paula loved having family along for these adventures and made a point of inviting Kathy and Marc and their families to join us whenever possible. One Christmas, Paula decided to change things up and take the family to Mexico, giving the children a memorable Christmas together and a welcome escape from a particularly cold Ottawa winter. These were all experiences she created and cherished with her children and extended family.

In retirement, Paula looked forward to spending more time with her family and enjoying the simple pleasures in life. She loved being with Jeff and the children, walking the dogs at Conroy Pit, and meeting family and friends for coffee and conversation. Last Christmas, Paula was thrilled to spend several days in New York with Shiyan and Grace, enjoying the theatre and the city together. She was equally proud to recently attend Rudy's graduation from the University of Guelph and was excited to see him embark on the next chapter of his life as he pursues his dream of a career in veterinary medicine. Although she will not be there to witness all that lies ahead, her love, pride, and unwavering belief in each of her children will remain with them always. Paula will be cheering them on in spirit as they continue their own journeys through life, just as she always did.

The family would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Melissa Toupin and Dr. Rajiv Samant for their professionalism, compassion, and exceptional care of Paula. We are deeply grateful for the kindness and dignity they showed her and our family throughout her illness. The family would also like to thank our friends Dr. Scott Laurie and Dr. Nicole Fitt for their unwavering support, kindness, and friendship. Their presence and care meant more to Paula and our family than words can express.

Cremation has taken place, and the family is planning a celebration of Paula's life to be held at a later date. Further details will be shared when arrangements have been finalized. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Paula's memory to Operation Smile Canada.