Panhandle mourns loss of educator, compassionate community leader Paula Abbott
Paula Abbott, former director of WNCC’s Sidney campus and a driving force behind the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, has died at 61. Community leaders remember her as welcoming, optimistic and deeply devoted to Sidney’s growth.
By Forrest HershbergerAURORA, Colo. — Paula Jean Abbott, 61, of Fleming, Colorado, a longtime advocate for education, business development and community growth in the Nebraska Panhandle, died Wednesday, Feb. 25.
Family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, March 13, at Tennant Funeral Home, with recitation of the rosary at 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, March 14. Private family inurnment will take place at a later date.
Abbott was widely known in the Sidney area for her leadership as director of the Sidney Campus of Western Nebraska Community College. After the cosmetology program ended, she helped transition the space into what became the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, providing office space for qualifying startup businesses and housing E3 offices.
WNCC President Greg Dart described Abbott as both welcoming and deeply committed to the college and community.
“She was one of the first persons I met when I came here to interview, and I can tell you that she more than anybody that I met made me feel welcome and at home from the very first time I talked to her,” Dart said.
Dart said Abbott cared deeply about the Sidney community, the WNCC campus and its students.
“Her love and devotion to those around her is what I will remember most about her,” he said.
E3 President Sarah Sinnett said Abbott played a key role in strengthening the business community, particularly in the years following Cabela’s transition.
“Paula was a tremendous person who had a great impact on the community,” Sinnett said. “She was an instrumental partner that supported many businesses launching post-Cabelas. She worked diligently to expand the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center at WNCC. Her optimistic attitude and welcoming spirit made her a true asset to everyone that worked with her. She will be dearly missed.”
E3 Technical Grant Writer Melissa Norgard, who worked with Abbott for about a decade, described her as a quiet but powerful force behind Sidney’s growth.
“She believed deeply in innovation and entrepreneurship, and she backed that belief with action — showing up, listening, encouraging and connecting people who needed one another,” Norgard said. “Paula had a rare ability to make you feel both supported and capable at the same time.”
E3 Navigator Alisha Juelfs said Abbott left a legacy of kindness and optimism.
“She would light up every room, give the biggest smiles and the best hugs,” Juelfs said. “She was also an absolute force to have in your corner — one of those rare connections that change your life.”
Shaunna Mashek of Chappell called Abbott “an amazing person with a heart that’s irreplaceable,” noting her support of the Chappell Chamber and local community efforts.
Those who knew Abbott said her impact will continue through the businesses, initiatives and people she supported throughout her career.