Paula Elias

1920 - 2020

Paula Elias, 100, of Hanover Twp., passed away at The Gardens at East Mountain on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020.

Born Aug. 20, 1920, in Muhldorf, Germany, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Marie Nagleder. Paula graduated high school and studied nursing, which became her first profession. At the end of World War II, while walking with her friend in the park, she saw a man who "caught her eye." He would be her future husband, Isaac, who was serving as a lieutenant in the United States Army stationed in Muhldorf. She came to the United States with Isaac and their son, George, in 1946, and they settled in the Lyndwood section of Hanover Twp. to raise their family. Paula learned the English language and the ways of a new country and persevered through any hardships that came her way. Though she was always homesick for her family and friends in Muhldorf, she was fortunate enough to travel back to Germany several times over the years to visit. I know she is there now, probably upset she missed Oktoberfest and those big steins of warm beer!

Paula was employed as a seamstress at Lyndwood Dress until her retirement in 1983. A terrific homemaker, she loved to sew and most days could be found toiling over her Singer, making anything from clothing to curtains to bedding. She was a hardworking, resourceful person who could make something beautiful out of nothing and she took pride in keeping a spotless home. She had a special place in her heart for all creatures great and small, but she especially loved dogs and birds. There was no dog as lucky as a dog who knew Grandma, who amassed quite a following with her purse full of treats and warm lap. I am sure she was greeted with dozens of "sloppy kisses" when she arrived in Heaven.

Paula had a heart of gold and anyone who knew her loved her. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and she loved her family to the moon and back. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the loves of her life and she was never happier than when she spent time with them. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by her family, friends and neighbors.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Isaac; siblings, Mary, Theresa and Anthony, all of Muhldorf, Germany; daughter-in-law, Lourdes Elias; and grandson, Paul Arthur Elias, both of Albuquerque, N.M.

She is survived by son, George and his wife, Charlotte, Swoyersville; son, John, Albuquerque N.M.; daughter-in-law, Lorraine Petyo Elias, Harveys Lake; grandchildren, Heather Elias, Plymouth Twp.; Darren and Heather Elias, Dallas; Jae and Mary Elias; Robbie Elias; Joann and Damien Chavez, all of Albuquerque N.M.; great-grandchildren, Tyler Elias, Wilkes-Barre; Gabrielle Van Horn, Dallas; Brooklyn and Jaedyn Elias, both of Albuquerque N.M.

Paula's family would like to thank the staff at The Gardens at East Mountain for their kindness and compassion in caring for Paula during these difficult months.

Private funeral services were held at the convenience of the family, however, if you would like to remember Paula in a special way, a small memorial donation may be made in her honor to Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge, Dallas.

Arrangements are by Mamary-Durkin Funeral Service, 59 Parrish St., Wilkes-Barre.