Long-time CoSIDA member Paulette Welch, currently serving as Sports Information Coordinator/Athletic Assistant at Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin High School (Chardon, Ohio) recently passed away after battling cancer. She was 58. Welch worked at Notre Dame-Cathedral the last four years, and was one of CoSIDA’s members from our growing high school ranks. She also was a freelance writer and sports statistician the last 18 years. She had a long tenure working in college athletics communications, serving Cleveland State as Sports Information Director/Coordinator for 11 years (1992-2003). She also worked as the Cleveland Parks marketing assistant for seven years and at Cleveland’s Baseball Heritage Museum at League Park and coached youth sports before joining the Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin staff.
Also read: Paulette Welch's death is a sad reminder of HS sports' unsung heroes' value | Opinion, by Chris Lillstrung via The News-Herald
Obituary courtesy
tributearchive.com
Paulette M. Welch age 58, loving daughter of Josephine (nee Bailey) and the late John “Jack” Welch; niece, cousin, friend, and mentor to many.
Paulette passed away peacefully, Friday February 18th, 2022.
Paulette was born and raised in Springfield, Ohio. Her parents were always proud of her endeavors and accomplishments. She spoke often of her childhood, telling stories of how her father used sports to teach her the basis of most life lessons and her admiration for her mother’s strength and support (along with a shared love of birthday sugar cream pie). Growing up Paulette had a passion for sports, 4H, participated in county fairs, and was a bright student.
After graduating from Shawnee High School, Paulette spent one year at Otterbein University and was a member of the women’s basketball team. The following year she transferred to Wittenberg University where she had grown up watching her father treat the student athletes as the athletic trainer (‘Tiger Up’ as she would say). Paulette worked for the athletics department as a student assistant while earning a B.A. in English and in Health and Physical Education. She went on to complete her Master’s at St. Thomas University in Florida in Sports Administration.
Paulette paved a path in life pursuing what she loved to do, gaining respect and friendships along the way. She was selected for one of the coveted internships in the Sports Information Office at Purdue University which led her to the position of Publicity Director for The Red Mile Racetrack in Lexington, Kentucky. Next, Paulette spent 11 years as the Sports Information Director at Cleveland State University. There she supervised the media operations at several NCAA Regional and National Championships. She then worked in Marketing for the Cleveland MetroParks for 7 years and was an Editor for the award-winning Emerald Necklace. Most importantly to her, she shaped and changed the lives of many young athletes and advocated for women in sports. She made a mark among student athletes at Elyria Catholic, University Schools, Magnificat, Walsh Jesuit, and Notre Dame Cathedral Latin where she ended her career as the Sports Information Coordinator. She worked hard for her student athletes giving them recognition, advice, and encouragement. She was a member of the board for WISE (Women in Sports and Entertainment) in Cleveland and helped champion several Women’s Leadership Symposiums to help other women find their path.
Even when not directly overseeing a championship event, she was often found volunteering to help colleagues at other schools, including countless NCAA Final Fours (both men’s and women’s). After serving as a member of the host committee for the 2007 Women’s Final Four, she agreed to travel to Tampa to assist their committee for the 2008 event.
Along with her family and student athletes, her friends were better people for knowing her. She brought honesty, laughter, and showed great appreciation for those in her life. Paulette showed her love through many acts of generosity and kindness to those around her.
Paulette will be remembered for many more things than one page can cover. Her strength, independence, and courage were always easy to recognize. With these things, she led by example as she fought her battle with cancer. Her presence will be greatly missed, but she will always be in our hearts and never forgotten.
Friends may call at the McGORRAY-HANNA FUNERAL HOME OF WESTLAKE, 25620 Center Ridge Rd. (West of Columbia Rd.) THURSDAY, Feb. 24th from 5 – 8 PM. Funeral Mass St. Patrick Church (3602 Bridge Ave., Cleveland) Friday, Feb. 25th at 10 AM. There will be additional Visitation, Services followed by Burial at Calvary Cemetery all in Springfield, OH.
In lieu of flowers please send all donations in honor of Miss Welch to the attention of Director of Development Mr. Keven Krajnak to NDCL Athletics (Notre Dame Cathedral Latin) address: 13000 Auburn Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024