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Paula Mittleman-Edelson Obituary
AGE: 70 • Hampton
Paula was born and raised in Somerville and formerly of Basking Bridge before moving to Hampton in 2000.
She was employed as an English teacher for the Bridgewater-Raritan High School for over 35 years, retiring in 2005. In 1965, she graduated from Connecticut College with a BA degree in English. Paula coached speech and debate and was the director of the High School and Junior High School musicals. She enjoyed reading and was especially fond of cats and dogs. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends.
She is predeceased by her brother Alan who died in 1978. Surviving are her husband of 29 years, Alan Edelson, a niece Tracy Sibilia and great niece Abigail.
Funeral services will be 11 AM Tuesday at Bruce Van Arsdale Funeral Home, 111 N. Gaston Ave., Somerville. Interment will follow at Temple Sholom Cemetery in Bridgewater. Memorial contributions can be made to Tabby's Place, 1100 U.S. 202, Ringoes, NJ 08551. To send condolences to the family visit www.brucecvanarsdalefuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paula Mittleman-Edelson
Joseph Krenetsky
February 2, 2025
There have been so many times that I have thought it would have been perfect to discuss some theatre/movie thing with Paula. We had a very similar sensibility about theatre. You are still missed Paula. 2025
Patrick Mastice
July 5, 2020
The most awesome thing about Paula Mittleman-Edelson was her ability to see the best in everyone, never judging or excluding anyone and her funny, loving and positive attitude she always gave freely to anyone. I will always love you Paula.
Kathleen Rodrick
February 2, 2020
I worked with Paula at BRHS for 7 years, I was a secretary in the Guidance Office. She was a wonderful person with so much energy and a great teacher. Everytime I saw her she was going a mile an hour, rushing from one place to another. Very sad news, my sympathy to her family.
Jim Torta
February 11, 2015
Ms. Mittleman was a formative figure in my youth--she encouraged me, believed in me, and inspired me. I'm very thankful that she was a part of my life. Now her work and love live on in our efforts--and I hope we make her proud.
Jack Senesky
February 11, 2015
Paula and I grew up together in the Brookside Apartments in Somerville.It was the l950's. She was in my brother's class before moving to Bridgewater in the mid '50s. I believe she was in the first graduating class from BRHS. I could go long stretches without seeing her but when we would bump into her it was like old home week. The students who had her as a teacher and drama coach were truly blessed. Those of us who counted her as a colleague and friend will be warmed by memories of her boisterous laugh and great sense of humor.
Nancy Trible
February 10, 2015
A wonderful person, friend, and teacher are just a few words to describe Paula; there are so many words but they still do not cover her great personality. I had the privilege of being her friend and co-worker for many years. In recent times we were reunited at the gym; somehow working with Paula was a hoot! I will miss her friendship. Rest in peace, Paula.
Nancy Trible
Mary Gormley
February 10, 2015
For over 20 years, Paula and I worked, laughed, cried, and reveled side by side. She was a constant travelling companion at Harvard and Nationals, probably the most memorable being when we were forced to drive from Memphis, to Little Rock, and onto Oklahoma City because rain changed our itinerary. Nothing was going to get in the way of our arriving to Nationals on time...except maybe a cow in the middle of the road. So many memories, not enough time and space. Paula, you were one of a kind; a friend and mentor to many. You will be truly missed, but never forgotten. Love you, Mary.
Debra Streeter
February 10, 2015
So sorry for your loss. I will always remember "Miss Mittleman" Many years ago she was my 8th grade English teacher and left a lasting impression. She was a great teacher and a wonderful person, she will be missed.
Jim Challandes
February 10, 2015
Paula was an inspiration to me -- both as a teacher and a person. I will miss her very much.
Leigh Nelson
February 10, 2015
Ms Mittleman was one of the few truly memorable teachers I have had in life. She taught far beyond the scope of the lesson plans and we are all more fortunate for it.
Kathleen Clarke-Anderson
February 10, 2015
Paula and I spent countless Saturdays and weekends in different schools in NJ, Cambridge, New Haven, and Princeton coaching kids in speech and debate. She was so helpful and kind when I started as a new coach. Hours were spent talking about helping kids be their very best. Paula was a true professional and so dedicated to teaching, coaching and directing all the students of BRHS. She cared for children and helped them find success. I've missed seeing her and talking with her these past few years and my thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends,
Alberta Harabin DiPaolo
February 9, 2015
Brava, Paula, Brava!
Christin Psak
February 9, 2015
As a high school student of hers I always remembered her big personality and encouragement to go out of my comfort zone in class and explore literature. Prayers for the family and thanks to her for her fun, guidance and kindness.
February 9, 2015
So sorry to hear of Paula's passing.
It was a privilege to have taught with her. I will not be able to attend the viewing since Betty and I are currently in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Sam and Betty Ganis
Kathy Rodrick
February 9, 2015
So very sorry to hear of Paula's passing. I worked with her at BRHS and found her to be a dedicated teacher and good friend. My condolences to her family.
Linda Waitkus Halstead
February 9, 2015
I remember Paula's good humor, cheer, fun and theatricality. This is sad, sad, sad news. Warm wishes to her family at this sad time.
Rich Rowe
February 9, 2015
Alan and Tracy....I am so sorry for your loss. Thirty nine years ago as a newbie to the BR area and Washington School, Paula gave me the grand tour of Bridgewater before my first Back-to-School Night. That was the start of many years working with Paula on numerous plays in the Middle School and High School and so many other fun times. Who else besides Paula could wear jewelry the size of baseballs AND recite baseball stats from the beginning days of the Yankees. Thanks for all the memories Paula. You were a good friend and colleague for many, many years. May you rest in peace. Keep your "Mazurka" open...we'll all dance again some day.
Rich Rowe
Jeff Domenick
February 9, 2015
I had the pleasure of being on the BRHS Forensics team coached by Ms. Mittleman as well as being in three of the musicals she directed. I'm very much saddened to hear about her passing. She was a great coach and director; she had a terrific ability to treat us with respect and candidness and make us feel like what we did mattered. My condolences to her family and friends.
Joan Crum
February 9, 2015
I was a nurse in the middleschool. I remember the day that Paula came into my office with her hand on her forehead saying "I have the vapors!" She was always good for a laugh!
February 9, 2015
I will never forget Paula. She was onr of the first people to welcome me to BR-West when I started teaching. Our Englisg Dept. meetings were never boring when Paula was there with her sense of humor and her hearty laugh. She was a mentor to so many students in so many activities, She was admired and respected by so many of her peers. The world has lost a bright soul. Paula is in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol Magliochetti
daniela Morawick
February 9, 2015
I've known Paula for 25 years; as my children's teacher, friend and AP proctor. She was a funny, talented woman. I will miss her candid comments!
Ulrike Klett
February 9, 2015
We are so sorry to hear of Paula's passing. Paula was a fabulous teacher and generous individual. We will greatly miss her. - Ulrike Klett and the World Language Department
florence russo
February 8, 2015
Paula was a wonderful person. We attended high school together and then taught at the same time in the BR School District. She will be missed.
Mike Petrus
February 8, 2015
Memorable teacher and person... wonderful forensics coach who brought out the best in kids. I will miss her.
Joan Crum
February 8, 2015
I was the nurse in the middleschool. Paula and I had a few good laughs when she would visit my office. Especially the day that she came in with her hand on her head and told me that she had "the vapors"
rick harmon
February 8, 2015
Paula, you were a great teacher and drama coach. You were loved and will be missed very much
Joseph Krenetsky
February 8, 2015
Taught many years with Paula and had some wonderful conversations about Andrew Lloyd Weber and my friend Morgan Freeman. She will be missed.
February 8, 2015
I am so sorry to read of Paula's passing....she was my favorite teacher of my children while they were at Bridgewater-Raritan East. And she was a wonderful personal friend when it came to local little theatre. She was a very big help to me in 1980-81 just after my husband had died. Without her help "Carnival" would not have happened. May she rest in peace. Love, Vivian Pigott Livingston, now of Sarasota, Florida.
Linda Freuler
February 8, 2015
Mrs. Mittelman was always sharp on her thoughts and comments. She enjoyed keeping everyone on their toes and involved.
Mrs.Mittelman you will be missed and all those students who never had the opportunity to have you educate them certainly missed out. May you rest easy and without pain knowing you touched SO MANY lives in a positive way. RIP
Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results
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Bruce C. Van Arsdale Funeral Home111 North Gaston Avenue, Somerville, NJ 08876
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