Paula Ellen Hancock Kidwell, 61, of Hughesville, MD, died on April 14, 2026, surrounded by her loving husband and children after a courageous battle with cancer. Paula was born on December 11, 1964, to Joseph F. "Freddie" and Lorraine Burch Hancock in Leonardtown, MD. She was the loving wife of Charles L. Kidwell, whom she married on November 14, 1998.

Paula attended St. Mary's Academy and was a member of the first graduating class of St. Mary's Ryken High School in 1982. She began her career straight out of high school as a civil servant for the Naval Air Facility Washington at Andrews Air Force Base in Prince George's County, MD. While there, she worked in the Comptroller Department before being promoted to Executive Secretary for the Commanding Officer. In her role, "Miss Paula" was the backbone of the front office and was well respected by everyone who came in contact with her. It was not uncommon for visiting admirals to walk past the CO and XO to greet her before they would speak to the officers. Although she was recruited for several promotional job opportunities at the Pentagon, she declined in order to be available for her family, always putting their needs first. She served under 20 different Commanding Officers before retiring in 2023, at which time they officially named her office "The Kidwell Office" in her honor. She was the recipient of the Department of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award and the Secretary of the Navy Career Service Award for 41 years of faithful service to the Navy and the United States Government.

Paula was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt. Her loving heart knew no bounds, always putting others' needs before her own. Her kindness, tenderness, and grace brought sunshine to everyone she met.

Her hobbies included visiting and spending time with her family and taking Sunday drives with her husband. She treasured family vacations at the beach and visits with her children and grandchildren. She was so very proud to watch her grandchildren participate in various sports and activities, and she enjoyed video calls with them when she was unable to attend in person. She was also an avid birdwatcher. Her yard was filled with bird feeders and nesting houses. She enjoyed watching the birds outside her windows and sitting on her porch listening to their beautiful songs. She was especially fond of the bluebirds.

Paula is survived by her loving husband and soulmate of 27 years, Charlie Kidwell; her mother, Lorraine Burch Hancock of Compton, MD; her daughter, Christina Finegan and her husband, John, of Phillipsburg, NJ; her son, Alex McLean and his wife, Dominika, of Wesley Chapel, FL; and her grandchildren, Ellie Finegan, Jack Finegan, Henry Finegan, and Lochlan McLean. She is also survived by her siblings Mary K. Peterson of Piney Point, MD; Ricky Hancock of Loveville, MD; Susan Hall of Chaptico, MD; Julie Guy of California, MD; and Jack Hancock of Callaway, MD; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her father, Freddie Hancock, and great-nieces Heather Hancock and Kerri Hancock.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 30195 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall, MD, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with prayers at 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be celebrated at the funeral home on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. by Reverend Peter M. Antoci. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Episcopal Church Cemetery in Aquasco, MD. Serving as pallbearers will be BJ Peterson, Christopher Hall, Jason Guy, PJ Kidwell, Jason Kidwell, and Kyle LaMond.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/giving/donate-now/ or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.

Arrangements by Brinsfield Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A., Charlotte Hall, Maryland.