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BORN
1939
DIED
2024
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Paulette Lael Obituary
October 21, 1939 - December 15, 2024
Paulette Hoke Lael, 85, of Hickory, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024, after an extended period of declining health.
She was born on October 21, 1939, to the late Paul Richard Hoke and Thelma Irene Bost Hoke in Randolph County. Paulette was a Math teacher at Hickory High School for 30 years before her retirement. She attended the Women's College in Greensboro then transferred to Lenoir Rhyne College where she graduated. Paulette was a member of the Hickory Choral Society.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Janice Irene Hoke; and daughter-in-law, Brandy Winkler Lael.
Survivors include her husband, Richard "Dick" Lamar Lael of the home; sons, Richard "Rick" Lamar Lael II of Hickory, and Darren Paul Lael of Newton.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 2 p.m. at St. Andrews Lutheran Church. Rev. Dr. Christy Sapp will officiate the service.
Memorials may be made to the Hickory Choral Society, 243 3rd Ave. NE #2N, Hickory, NC 28601; the Catawba County Humane Society, PO Box 2472, Hickory, NC 28603; or St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 629 8th St. NE, Hickory, NC 28601.
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Memories and Condolences
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Jean Krapfel
January 21, 2025
Spent many hours working with Paulette on projects for the Hickory Choral Society. What a dedicated soul she was. Keeping Dick and her family in my prayers.
Ron & Dawn Kolodziej
January 11, 2025
Very sweet lady. Enjoyed watching her play the handbells and the flute and to speak with her at Church. So very kind to give us tickets to a military concert. God Bless her. Our prayers are with her family.
Fran Clark
December 22, 2024
Paulette was my math teacher in high school and I sang in Choral Society with her for many years. She was a very nice lady who loved to stay busy. She helped to organize and maintain the chorus music available for area schools ,groups, and the HCS. She will be missed.
Lynn Rendleman Faggion
December 22, 2024
Paulette was one of my mother´s dearest friends, confidants, and partner in adventure! Mom and Paulette were backseat buddies as Dick and Henry drove and navigated upfront. My bet is they have many adventures ahead with laughter and worship of their Lord and Savior Jesus. We are so sorry for your loss. Praying for the Lord to comfort as only He can. See you Jan 4.
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STEVEN TERRELL
December 22, 2024
I had her for Algebra in High School 1968-1969 school year, good teacher, good memories.
Rosemary Faye Watts
December 22, 2024
Mrs. Lael was my Math teacher when I went to Hickory High. I also assisted her the following year during my free period doing odds and ends that she needed help with. She was such a sweet person and I truly enjoyed having her as my teacher.
Barbara (Yoder) Rawson
December 21, 2024
Dick, Rick and Darren,
Paulette was a dear friend for over 60 years and we shared many cherished times. She did teach me at HHS and was an excellent teacher. She will
surely be missed.
You will be kept in our thoughts and prayers.
Much love, Lloyd and Barbara
(Yoder) Rawson
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