CLERMONT, FLORIDA – Paula Marie Stenzler, D. Eng, passed from this life in the comfort of her home and surrounded with her family’s love on Monday, January 7, 2019. She was 60 years of age.

Paula was born in Troy, New York on January 2, 1959 and was the daughter of the late Robert Schlotterer and Angela (Gatto) Lodato. Her formative years were in Watervliet and Colonie where she attended Colonie High School.

Paula received her Doctorate of Engineering from Old Dominion University. She also held a Masters of Science from New England College and a Bachelors of Science in Engineering from University of Central Florida. Paula was Senior Director of Engineering and Safety in the Creative Division of Universal Orlando Parks. She began her career with Universal Orlando nearly 25 years ago as a mechanical engineer. She was one of the first women to enter this field and paved the way for many to follow. Paula is the sole inventor of five patents and her name is also included on several others for her involvement and contribution on various ride systems engineering projects. She was an active member in ASTM F24 where she was part of a team that reviewed amusement rides and devices to ensure safety and compliance. Paula held numerous leadership roles with the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) in which she advocated to grow interest and education for a diverse demographic in all fields of engineering.

Paula was a world traveler who enjoyed visiting countless historical landmarks. She especially cherished visiting her children and grandchildren while creating timeless memories. She was interested in genealogy and connected with relatives in several countries. Paula enjoyed taking a hands on approach when coming up with home improvement projects even when it seemed nothing was in need of improvement. She often found unique solutions to whatever problems she encountered. Paula was an accomplished seamstress who made draperies for an organization that served the community and even created her own wedding dress.

Paula was the much loved mother of Sonja (Edward, Jr.) Condon of Waterford, New York, Michael Stenzler (fiancé Sarah Everett) of Roanoke, Virginia and Rachael Stenzler (fiancé Joseph Spinelli) of Clermont, Florida; the cherished and proud grandmother of Sophia Bella and Julia Grace Condon; the dear sister of Christopher (Kellie) Lodato of Watervliet, New York; Robert Schlotterer and Sandra Schlotterer of Melbourne, Florida and the late Nicholas Lodato and Gina Schlotterer. She was blessed with loving and caring aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear and special friends.

A service in celebration of Paula’s life will be held on Wednesday at 11 am in the Parker Brothers Memorial Funeral Home, 2013 Broadway, Watervliet, New York and her interment will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Watervliet. Friends are invited to attend and may also visit with Paula’s family on Wednesday, prior to the service, from 10 am until 11 am.

To those who prefer to remember Paula in a special way, donations, in her memory, may be made to the Society of Women Engineers, 130 East Randolph Street, Suite 3500, Chicago, Illinois, 60601 or by visiting www.swe.org