HERKIMER - Paula I. Bernier, age 54, of Herkimer, NY and whose family lived for many years in the community of Paines Hollow, passed away on Monday February 17, 2014 at St. Peter's Hospital, Albany, NY. She was born on March 21, 1959 in Little Falls, NY a daughter of the late Samuel Mikus and Nancy Jane (Smith) Jenne and attended Mohawk schools. She was a member of the Mohawk High School Class of 1978. Paula went on to attend Herkimer County Community College where she obtained an Associates of Applied Science Degree. She worked for Coleco and Spaulding at one time. Paula blessed the Mohawk Valley as an accomplished artist and photographer as well as that of a musician with a special focus upon piano. She was a graphic design artist. She operated the business known as 'Camera Angles' where she was awarded for her amazing photographic ability. She was of the Methodist faith. Paula last worked as a Administrative Assistant with Community Action of Utica; the 'Head Start' program. Throughout the years Paula was involved as a past royal matron of the Crown Court Order of Amaranth and the Paines Hollow Junior Grange. For many years she attended the Paines Hollow United Methodist Church. She is survived by her children: Joshua Bernier of Herkimer; and Sarah Jane Wilson and her husband Matthew of Washington State; grandchildren: Michael and Benjamin; four sisters: Mary Jane Smith of Herkimer; Elizabeth Knight and husband Arthur of Maine; Nancy Mikus and partner Jo Ann Kivador of Pittsburgh, PA; and Susan Appling and husband Christopher of Florida; two brothers: Mark Mikus and wife Marsha of Port Charlotte, FL and Richard Mikus and wife Debbie of Mohawk; six nephews, six nieces, two great nieces, five great nephews, and many special cousins. Paula also helped raise Katherine Lowell as if her own. She also leaves an uncle Donald Smith of South Carolina. She was predeceased by her parents as well as her grandparents who she dearly loved Howard & Helen Smith. The family extends their gratitude to MOVAC and the doctors and nurses from dialysis at the Herkimer Bassett Clinic as well as Faxton St. Luke's Hospital and St. Peter's Hospital for the compassion shown. Those wishing to honor Paula are respectfully asked to plant a tree in her memory. Her calling hours will be held on Friday February 21, 2014 from 5 until 7 PM at The Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 North Washington Street, Herkimer. A prayer service will conclude the visitation. An online memory page to honor Paula has been created at www.eneafamily.com. The family is being served by Harry & Kevin Enea, Funeral Directors (315) 866-1011.