Paula Jean Akers

July 29, 1949 - February 13, 2006

Paula Jean (Wnuk) Akers, 56 of 18 Spruce Road, Swansea, MA formerly of Providence, RI died Tuesday, February 13, 2006 at Woman & Infants Hospital Providence, R.I. she was the wife of Kirby Akers. Born July 29, 1949 in Providence, Rhode Island she was the daughter of the late Alfred and Sophie (Zajac) Wnuk. Mrs. Akers retired from a 28 year teaching career in Central Falls, Rhode Island and, until her recent illness taught middle school English at Saint Mary’s Academy, Bay View in East Providence, R.I. She had also worked for the State Department of Education in Rhode Island.
Mrs. Akers was a 1971 graduate of Rhode Island College where she received her Bachelors Degree in Education.
In her addition to teaching, Paula had a long career as a union leader and professional developement facilitator. She was past secretary of the Central Falls Teachers Union and Co-Founder of the District’s Professional Development Academy. A National Trainer for the American Federation of Teacher’s Educational Research and Dissemination (ER&D) Program, she also served as an ER&D trainer for the RI Federation of Teacher’s and as the local site coordinator for the program in Central Falls. An advocate for providing support for new teachers, Mrs. Akers helped to establish Central Falls’ Mentor program for new teachers and served for three years as a mentor fellow at the RI Department of Education helping to create standards for Mentor programs across the state.

Most recently, Paula served as president of RIAFT/R (The retirees Chapter of the RI Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals)

Besides her husband- Kirby Akers of Swansea, MA she leaves 1 son-Jameson Akers of Providence, R.I., one daughter-Jessica Akers of Novi, Michigan and one sister Donna Wnuk of Warwick, R.I.

Funeral Information

Funeral Friday from HATHAWAY COMMUNITY HOME FOR FUNERALS, 900 Buffinton St., SOMERSET at 8:30 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in Saint Louis De France Church, Buffington Street, Swansea, Burial to follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Providence, R.I. relatives and friends are invited to attend. Calling hours Thursday 4-8 pm.

Donations Information

In lieu of Flowers Donations in her memory may be made to: Saint Mary Bay View Academy Scholarship Fund, c/o Paula Akers, 3070 Pawtucket Avenue, Riverside RI 02915-5197.