'Kindest Person You'd Meet': Mayor Pays Tribute To Late Former Staffer

TINLEY PARK, IL —Beloved former Village of Tinley Park employee died Paula Wallrich died earlier this week. Wallrich worked for the Village for nearly 9 years before her retirement in 2021.

"Paula was the kindest person you could ever meet," Glotz reflected Friday. "If you were lucky enough to be let into her inner circle, you would know that her talents were boundless; she could paint, garden, craft, bake, cook ... you name it, she could do it!"

Wallrich, 68, died Monday, July 31. Her LinkedIn details she began working with the Village of Tinley Park in 2015 as Deputy Planning Director. She later became Planning Director and retired from that role in May 2021. Prior to coming to the Village of Tinley Park staff, Wallrich held roles within the Village of Frankfort, Homer Glen, and Homewood.

Wallrich "dedicated her life to serving her community, working for decades as a Village Planner, Community Development Director, and Village Manager in Frankfort, Homer Glen, Homewood, and Tinley Park. Her villages became a shining example of good design for the surrounding towns," her obituary reads.

Glotz praised Wallrich for her nurturing nature, which he witnessed firsthand.

"When I started as a Trustee in May 2017, Paula took me under her wing like a baby bird and taught me everything she knew," Glotz told Patch. "Watching her work in a room of developers was nothing less than amazing. She knew exactly what needed to be done and how to accomplish it. She had such an excellent vision and gift for community development."

Glotz went on to say, "as much as we miss her at the village, my heart breaks for her husband Clay, her children, grandson, siblings, and the many nieces and nephews she leaves behind.

"She truly is irreplaceable."

Glotz recalled the last time he saw Wallrich.

"July 10 at Music in the Plaza will always hold a special place in my heart as it was the last time Paula, some of our village staff, and I could spend the evening together," he told Patch. "We had so many laughs, and it will be a night I'll never forget.

"I loved Paula like family. I lost one of my dearest friends, and life won't be the same without her."

Services for Wallrich were held Sunday, Aug. 6.