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Paula Welchman-O'Brien Obituary
Welchman-O'Brien
PLAINFIELD Paula Welchman-O'Brien, 53, of Plainfield, Ma., passed away early February 15, 2016 after a long term illness. Beloved wife of Peter O'Brien, Paula was an adoring mother of Michael (Ann) Dittrich, Kristen Casella, Ashley O'Brien, and grandmother of Blake and Dakota Casella. Paula was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and was the daughter of Eva Welchman (nee Black) and Arnell Welchman, and step-daughter of Gene Graf. She is survived by a very large and loving family, spread across the United States. Always a hard working, self driven woman, Paula was creator and owner of Target Zone Studio health club, prior to earning her education degree as an Ada Comstock Scholar at Smith College at the age of 43. Paula was a life-long learner and beloved elementary school teacher at Jackson Street School in Northampton, Ma for over a decade. She received the Harold Grinspoon award for excellence in education, and dedicated her career and spare time to the education and enrichment of children of all ages. A renaissance woman in many ways, everything Paula touched flourished under her creative eye, especially her garden and home. A Memorial remembrance will be held in her honor at Jackson Street School in Northampton, on February 27, 2016 from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. In her true spirit, this will be a potluck celebration to unify her community. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Jackson Street School PTO, at 120 Jackson Street, Northampton, Ma 01060. Fittingly, the donations will be used to help fund the Jackson Street School library renovation, as Paula was a voracious reader and literacy advocate.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paula Welchman-O'Brien
Sponsored by The Berkshire Eagle.
Savannah Rivera
January 14, 2021
I know it's been almost 6 years since she has passed but I just got the courage to write something after all these years. I loved her so much and still do every time I look up or listen to "See you again By Wiz Khalifa ft Charlie Puth" it reminds me of her and all the fun times when she was my teacher. Whenever I go to Jackson I sit on her bench and talk to her and cry a little bit. I am so sorry for your loss. -Savannah Rivera
carol lebold
February 27, 2016
Peter and Ashley and all, I was so sorry to hear of Paula's passing. Such energy, creativity, fun loving and strong sense of herself and people she loved. Though we've been out of touch, I remember as if it were yesterday, the fun she had with the girls when Thea and Ashley got together at your house. And years ago, Paula talked me into joining her dance/ exercise class in Plainfield...and was such a gifted teacher that I couldn't help but laugh, dance and actually enjoy exercise 'cause it was Paula! What a wonderful person
I'm sure every single person who had the privilege of spending a bit of time with Paula, will miss her. Life flashes by and we let good friends drift away. I'm sorry I lost touch but so grateful for all the times I had knowing Paula. What a gift she was. Love and hugs and condolences to you all, her family and closest friends.
Patrick Litano
February 23, 2016
Peter, I am so sad to hear of your wife's passing. I can't imagine what you are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Pat
Toni Sulmers
February 22, 2016
I am deeply saddened to hear about Paula's passing. Paula left an impression on me as a person and as a teacher that I will never forget. In 2006 I met Paula just a few days before school began as Paula was setting up her classroom, preparing to teach 2nd grade. Over the next 5 months I was to be Paula's student teacher while falling in love with the profession of teaching. Almost a decade later, as a seasoned third grade teacher, I still use her words and phrases that she taught me to use with my students ("make a better choice"). I teach my students some of the same games she played with hers. I even read Bunnicula to my students every year because of how much her 2nd graders loved it and I'd like to think my Chester voice would have made her proud.
I know that people throw out the phrase "they taught me everything I know" but on my first day as a teacher, in my own classroom, with 21 8 years olds looking to me for direction, that phrase was more applicable than ever to Paula and what she taught me. Paula taught me how to talk to parents, she taught me how to challenge and support and solve conflicts and though I will never be as amazing a teacher as she was, I will always try because she taught me that too. I have loved what I do for the past decade of my life, and that love began in Ms. Welchman's 2nd grade classroom, at Jackson Street in Northampton. Years later, having had several of my own student teachers, I constantly reflect on the lessons that she guided my through, and the genuine, respectful way she mentored me. Paula was a great teacher to her young students, but she was a great teacher for me also, a college senior, just tiptoeing into adulthood. I am immensely grateful for having had her in my life when I did, and her presence will be with me, in my classroom, always. I will cherish these memories and lessons forever.
Alvord Family
February 22, 2016
Peter, Ashley & Michael,
We were very saddened to learn of Paula's passing. Even though we were neighbors our paths went different ways after our kids grew up. We will always cherish the good times and memories while our children were growing up in Plainfield. Paula, may you rest in peace.
Eric Walger
February 22, 2016
OB, once again my heart goes out to you and your family. Although I had never met Paula she sounds like a wonderful person and will be sadly missed, but I'm sure her spirit will live on in the hearts and memories of all the people who's lives she touched.
February 21, 2016
Dear Peter and Ashley,
Our deepest sympathies for your loss of this beautiful woman.
Karen Moore
February 21, 2016
Peter,
We were saddened to read of Paula's passing and we are very sorry for your loss. May sweet memories surround you in the days ahead.
Steffie and Bob Kyte
Florida
Sue Sullivan
February 20, 2016
Paula was an amazing teacher whose goal to instil academic confidence in girls especially around math was fulfilled in every way. We will truly miss her. Sue Sullivan and family
February 19, 2016
Peter,
Deepest sympathies and condolences to you and for your family.
John and Jessica McComish
Tommy Moore
February 19, 2016
OB. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time,God just received another Angels. The boys and myself are in deep sadness we love you man and we will be there for you always.
Casey Fowler
February 19, 2016
We had lost touch over the years, but I have thought of Paula often. She was beautiful inside and out and I'm a better person just from knowing her. RIP Paula, hugs and love to the family.
February 19, 2016
May each of you find strength and peace in God. (Psalms 29:11) Especially during this time of loss.
Donna Therrien
February 19, 2016
Peter.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. So sorry for your loss!
February 19, 2016
Very sorry to hear of your loss, Peter.
Elsa Moreno
February 19, 2016
My deepest sympathy.Many prayers for your family.
Carrie Rubinstein
February 18, 2016
Here's a daily dose of love to you all. Don't forget, here if you need me. xxoo Carrie
Maria Garcia
February 18, 2016
Paula was loved by everyone she met. She had a open generous heart and it was impossible to be anything but positive around her. Her loving spirit will be missed at Jackson St. But I feel blessed to have known her.
Pat Slattery
February 18, 2016
We've heard nothing but wonderful things about Paula. May she rest in peace.
Joe Malecki
February 18, 2016
I have been out of touch for a long time, but the memories of time spent with Paula and Peter are as clear as if it were yesterday. What a fun, loving, giving person I was lucky enough to get to know. I always wished that our house of friends from that period could have gotten together to share our families of today we all have. My thoughts (all happy)and prayers are with Peter and family. Joe
Jerry and Mary Ginley
February 18, 2016
Sorry for your loss, Michael.
Mary Verdi
February 18, 2016
Paula, thank you for being such a happy example of love to all of us! Your blinders are off and you are now able to soar! God speed!
Ann-Marie Desautelle
February 18, 2016
Thinking of you and your family Peter...may your memories give you comfort.
J.B.
February 18, 2016
I feel so lucky to have had a friendship with Peter and Paula when they first met and truly can say from my heart the world was a better place with such a person in it. From my family and myself our hearts and prayers are with Peter and family....jb
Kathleen Parada
February 18, 2016
Peter,
My deepest sympathy at the loss of your loving wife. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. I hope you are comforted by family and friends and that they help keep her memory alive for you.
Debbie Lee
February 18, 2016
I am so very sorry for your loss. May the Peace of our Lord be with you and your family during this time. Paula is in a better place now and has no more pain and suffering.
Madge and Burlen Baker
February 18, 2016
Peter, Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Roger Lanski
February 18, 2016
Peter and family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May she rest in peace.
Brenda Lilly
February 18, 2016
Your beautiful smile and loving presence will always be remembered throughout the Jackson Street community.
Mary Ann Gingras
February 18, 2016
Peter,
I am very sorry for your loss. Peace be with you and your family.
February 18, 2016
I know that Paula will keep on dancing in heaven! Loved doing step aerobics with you forever and ever!
My condolences,
Irene Sylvain, Aberdeen, NC
February 18, 2016
Peter, Thoughts and prayers from the Wahconah Family and my own are with you during this difficult time. Take care, Aaron Robb
Kim Gerould
February 18, 2016
Paula truly was a "renaissance woman," an example to us all of creativity, integrity, good humor, and perseverance. We will miss her terribly and carry her in our hearts.
J McComish
February 18, 2016
Peter,
Our deepest condolences go out to you and your family.
In our thoughts,
John and Jessica McComish
Marilyn Rivera
February 18, 2016
Rest in peace in your Lord's arms Paula!
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