Paula Marie Pfeifle

Paula M. “Paws” Pfeifle, 67, of Newbury Park, CA, passed away March 8, 2018, while in hospice care at Los Robles Hospital, Thousand Oaks, after a courageous battle with cancer.  Born Paula Rogers in Ponca City, Oklahoma on December 31, 1950, she was Native American Cherokee Indian.  Her father died unexpectedly at an early age.  Paula and her mother moved to North Hollywood, CA.  Paula loved music.  She played piano and studied music throughout school and then abroad at the Schiller University, Heidelberg, Germany.  Her dream was to become the first female conductor of the Philharmonic Orchestra.  She went to cosmetology school and obtained her State license as a certified beautician.  When a career in law enforcement called, Paula joined the Los Angeles Police Department. She completed the academy training, and became a Reserve Officer at the North Hollywood station during the 1970’s.  She then completed the training to become an emergency 9-1-1 dispatcher in the 1980’s.  She married her husband, Greg, a sworn officer at the LAPD, and they were together for 35 years.  Paula left the Police Department after being injured.  Her love of children led her to obtain a State license to run a Child Daycare facility from the home in Newbury Park for nearly 20 years.  In addition, Paula also shared her love of children by volunteering countless hours with the Starlight Children’s Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, groups that grant wishes to hospitalized, critically or terminally ill children.  Paula had a special devotion to animals, especially dogs, and became a rescuer in her spare time.  She was well known throughout the rescue community.  Her last daycare child, Lily Cohen, gave her the nickname “Paws”.  When Paula moved to Newbury Park, she brought the neighbors together, creating a community, and was affectionately called “The Mayor”.  In her healthier days, Paula liked to power-walk the neighborhood, often going eleven miles per walk.  Paula will not be remembered for her death but for her incredible spirit, kindness and generosity.  She made a difference in the lives of many.  Paula is survived by her husband, Greg, her step-son, Ryan (whom she raised), her step-daughter Carrie, her mother Joyce, her Aunt, Javene (and partner Walter), and three step-grand children, Michael, Conner and Dylan.  The family would like to thank Dr. Shahryar Ashouri and all the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff at the cancer facilities of UCLA and USC.  A Life celebration will take place on Sunday, April 22, 2018, at 11:00 A.M. at Conejo Mountain Cemetery, Chapel on the Hill, located at 2052 Howard Road, Camarillo, CA 93012.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation, Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation at UCLA, or Rescue Me, INC.