diff --git a/lib/swift_utils.py b/lib/swift_utils.py
index 15b871d..a9b63a7 100644
--- a/lib/swift_utils.py
+++ b/lib/swift_utils.py
@@ -1001,7 +1001,11 @@ def pause_aware_restart_on_change(restart_map):
     """Avoids restarting services if config changes when unit is paused."""
     def wrapper(f):
         if is_paused():
-            return f
+            # save/restore paused status in case called function changes it
+            status, message = status_get()
+            ret = f
+            status_set(status, message)
+            return ret
         else:
             return restart_on_change(restart_map)(f)
     return wrapper