Paula Ann Valley

OLEAN — Paula Ann Valley, 72, of Olean, passed away Friday (June 13, 2025) peacefully at home, in the arms of her husband, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born July 14, 1952, in Olean, she was the daughter of Harry James Valley and Eunice Florence Hall. On June 23, 2001, she married Oleg V. Bychkov, who at the time was working as a faculty member at St. Bonaventure University on an H1B work visa.

Fiercely independent and free-spirited, Paula had a strong desire to advance herself intellectually and professionally. Paula had a diverse educational background, having earned, after undergraduate studies at Hilbert College, a paralegal certificate and two master’s degrees, in elementary education from St. Bonaventure University and in library science from the University of Buffalo.

Having had passion for the arts, she began her studies at UB in the art history program, completed several art history courses and passed her language exams in German and French.

She also had a diverse career path, having worked as a paralegal, a social worker and after having completed her MA in library science as a librarian at St. Bonaventure University, Jamestown Community College, Olean Business Institute, Houghton College for 12 years and lately, just before retirement, at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany. As a librarian, Paula had true passion for books and was an avid reader.

During her life, Paula combined physical activities and her passion for beauty and the arts. As a young lady, she loved horseback riding, tennis and developed a passion for sewing and quilting. She was also an amateur photographer. Paula thoroughly enjoyed cooking elaborate dishes, having amassed a library of cookbooks.

She loved taking vacations in Maine and traveled widely across North America. She especially treasured trips to the Cotswolds in England and to Cornwall.

A memorial mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday (June 21, 2025) at the St. Elizabeth Motherhouse Chapel, 115 E Main St., Allegany. Burial will be in the Allegany Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Allegany Public Library Building Fund, 90 W. Main St., Allegany, NY 14706.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., Olean.

Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com.