Paula Derschow
1964 – 2022
Perenjori, Western Australia

Paula Derschow was born on the 25th August 1964 at the Pines in a caravan in 
Mingenew, and was the second child to Richard Mervyn Derschow and Jean Mavis 
Derschow (nee Farrell), Edward Charles Derschow became a doting brother to 
Paula, then Paula became a doting sister to Elaine Rose Derschow in 1965 
followed by Mervyn Patrick Derschow in 1967 and Julie Ann Lucas (Nee 
Derschow) in 1968. Sadly, the family had the loss of 2 beautiful daughters Jeanie 
Marie Derschow and Bernadette Derschow in 1969.
Paula became a doting sister to Jody May Hodder (nee 
Derschow) in 1970.
The family then moved back to Geraldton where they had the joy of welcoming 
Ivy Gaye Derschow in 1972 into the family, but then came the sad loss of Ivy to
cot death. They then moved to Derby in 1974 due to Richard’s work 
commitments. The family then decided to return to Geraldton in 1975 where 
Paula’s baby sister Noreen was born. In 1976 Paula’s father enrolled to study so 
the family decided to move to Adelaide, due to the death of Paula’s uncle the 
family came back to Perth for his funeral. Paula and Rose did not want to go back 
to Adelaide with the family so they stayed with their grandmother (Susan Farrell 
Dec) for six months in Geraldton and attended Bluff Point Primary school along 
with their cousin Leonie Farrell (who is classed as a sister by all the family).
The family then moved to Port Hedland where Paula attended South Hedland High 
School, in 1979 Paula became an adoring Aunty to Stewart Arnold Derschow. The 
family then moved back to Geraldton in 1979 to 35 Archer Street. In 1979 Paula 
became a flicker in Michael Arthur Gibson’s heart after meeting each other while 
Michael visited the family with his Aunty and Uncle. Michael’s visits became 
more and more frequent as in them days everything revolved around the card table. 
Paula and Michael would do the school pick up for Paula’s younger sister Noreen, 
just so that they could spend quality time together. Michael moved back to 
Morawa and went about his work but Michael’s heart belonged in 
Geraldton. Michael's mother (Olive Gibson Dec) noticed him moping around so 
she intervened and organised for Paula to move in with their family in Morawa. 
Paula fit perfectly with Michael's family as they all got on so well with each other.
Paula and Michael then moved in with Michael’s sister Brenda Gibson at 68 
Mariners Lane Point Moore, where Michael was working as a shearer around the 
Geraldton/Murchison area. They then moved back to Morawa and welcomed their 
first-born Richard Michael Gibson in 1981 then moved to Mingenew for 12 to 18 
months before moving back to 35 Archer Street Geraldton with the rest of Paula’s 
family where there was a lot of beautiful memories made.
They welcomed their second born Olivia Jeanette Gibson into their lives in 1983 
then moved to the Swagman caravan Park. In 1987 they were blessed with the 
arrival of their youngest son Michael Arthur Gibson into their lives. Due to the 
family growth they decided to move into 32 Lawley Street and this became the 
family’s first home where Paula cared for their 3 children whilst Michael went out 
shearing to support the family. 8 years later they moved into 29 Tamblyn street 
where the family spent 16 long years making many special memories. Paula was a 
wonderful mother and she loved her 3 children dearly, always putting their needs 
before her own. 29 Tamblyn Street was always full of family, often staying or 
visiting while on their travels. Paula also was a working Mum and had the 
privileged of working with her father at ATSIC, with her dad being a field officer, 
Paula worked in the office in an administration role. Over the years Paula worked 
at MRAC, Wila Gutharra as a Senior Financial Advisor, Geraldton Small Business 
Centre also the Department of Agriculture. While juggling family life and work 
life Paula was also very athletic and enjoyed playing sports with her family from 
softball, basketball, indoor cricket but her favourite was touch football. She was 
part of the family team called the Demon Knights.
On the 28th June 2000 Paula and Michael became proud grandparents to Mikayla 
Rose. They loved being grandparents and would often drive to Perth on weekends 
to visit their granddaughter. Over the years they became grandparents to six more 
grandchildren. Paula loved being a grandmother and would spend as much time as 
she possibly could with all her grandchildren, from doing arts and craft to cooking. 
Paula displayed love and devotion to her grandchildren and would always tell them 
how proud she was of them. In 2011 Paula and Michael purchased a house in 
Perenjori, where many wonderful memories were made with their children and 
grandchildren. In recent years Paula and Michael were both employed by Rio Tinto 
where they spent 14 years living and working together. Paula worked in a range of 
roles from safety, training, and operations. Paula was often called upon from her 
management teams for her skills in the office to achieve those special projects. 
Paula was proud of what she was able to bring to the table professionally. Paula as 
a trainer, trained hundreds of employees over the years, who then moved 
throughout the Pilbara. Many of Paula's colleagues were drawn to her by her 
welcoming and beautiful personality, she had formed many wonderful 
relationships with these people which she considered them family. Paula was loved 
and respected by all who she worked with through the many years with Rio Tinto, 
this was testament when she became known as their Pilbara Mum to many who 
loved her. Paula had the biggest heart, she sponsored 17 children through world 
vision and was dedicated and devoted to them all as she was with everyone she 
met.
Paula will be greatly missed by everyone