Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Paula DeJonge Obituary
DEJONGE, Paula B. Paula (Bacher) DeJonge, 59, of Iron Gate Lane, Cromwell, beloved wife of the late Robert James DeJonge and devoted mother of Alissa Katherine DeJonge of Middletown died on Saturday (December 2, 2006). Born in Troy, NY, she was the daughter of Frank and Shirley (Esmund) Bacher of Loudonville, NY and lived in Cromwell for the last 28 years. She graduated from Junior College of Albany, NY, earned her Bachelor's Degree from Russell Sage College and went on to earn her Master's Degree from Western Connecticut State University. Mrs. DeJonge was a first grade teacher at Edna C. Stevens School in Cromwell for nearly 30 years. At St. John Church, Cromwell, she was a member of the Parish Council, the Chairwoman and Co-founder of the annual auction, a lector and a friendly visitor to a local senior citizen. Paula was President of the Mercy High School Home and School Association and chairwoman of the Yellow Rose Auction. She enjoyed recreational reading and reading to her students, especially "Charlotte's Web," because she felt the story shared many valuable lessons for the children. Paula loved decorating and making wreaths for family and friends. Her mother-daughter outings were as special to her as the strong bond she shared with her father and mother. Besides her daughter and parents, she is survived by her brother, Thomas Bacher and his wife Ann, and their children, Jimmy and Aimee of Loudonville, NY; her nephew, Clark Whitney of Schenectady, NY; her sister-in-law, Katherine Barnes and her husband, David of North Rose, NY and their sons and families. Besides her husband, she was predeceased by her brother, Frank Bacher, Jr., his wife Cindy, and their son, Ryan. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Dec 7 at St. John Church, 5 St. John's Court, Cromwell at 10 a.m. where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Fr. Raymond Borkowski and con-celebrant Fr. Ambrose Donahue officiating. Interment will be in Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 3- 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Paula B. DeJonge Reading Fund, Edna C. Stevens School, 25 Court Street, Cromwell, CT 06416; St. John Church, 5 St. John's Court, Cromwell, CT 06416; or Mercy High School, 1740 Randolph Road, Middletown, CT 06457. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at the website of www.doolittefuneralservice.com. Cromwell Funeral Home, 506 Main St., Cromwell, is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paula DeJonge
Patricia Guliani
December 18, 2006
Dear Alissa,
I knew you when you were a small child. Your parents and I belonged to a group called "Newcomers to Cromwell". We got together with 10 other couples. We would get together over each other's houses for fun, laughs and home cooked gourmet meals. We had fabulous times eating, laughing and enjoying each other's company.
Please know that you are thought of and that you are being remembered in my prayers.
Vianna Vilaysane
December 16, 2006
Mrs.DeJonge was my first I as so sorry about you loss. She was my favorite teacher.I still remember the reading circle she alawys read Charlotte's Web. I also remember when you cam to the classroom to visit she will alwaya remain in our hearts.
Elin Fischman Lawrence
December 15, 2006
Alissa,
The Blue Angels, Class of 1969, Russell Sage College send their deepest regrets.
Elin Fischman Lawrence
Class Correspondent
Marisol Haynes
December 13, 2006
Alissa,
I am so sorry about your loss.My daughter Vianna was in her class five years ago.She was a lovely woman,with such a gentle nature.I'm certain she was loved by many and will be missed.
Marie (O'Connell) Brennan
December 9, 2006
To the Bacher Family and Paula's daughter Alyssa:
My sincere sympathy on your loss of mother, daughter and sister. You are all in my prayers that the Almighty will comfort you and give you peace during this most difficult time.
I hope you will remember me, an old friend from Watervliet.
Rose Hughes
December 7, 2006
Alissa,
St. John Church will not be the same without your mom,Paula. I had the honor of working with her during the Parish Building Fund Pledge solicitation. She was an inspiration to all and everyone admires her untiring work for the church auction which my family contributes to. We will surely miss her. My deepest sympathy to you and the rest of the family. May you find peace and strength during this very difficult time.
Emily Lynn
December 7, 2006
I love your mom! She was my teacher in first grade. She and i have the same birthday april 17 and we gave gifts to each other last year she gave be a glass purse with roses on it.she also was very loving to me she always gave me hugs and she knew when i needeed them. we both lost our brothers and she new i was sad sometimes. i liked seeing her in church i always gave her a hug. Today i went to the church to say goodby but i was smiling when i remembered the nice things.i hope someday i will grow up just like her with love emily lynnxoxo
Derek Sellew
December 6, 2006
Alissa,
I was very saddened from the news about your mother, she was by far one of my favorite teachers when I was going through school, and I feel blessed having known her. In fact, I think everyone who knew her feels this way, she has touched us all and left a great impression after all these years. My deepest condolences, you are in my thoughts.
Roz Greenberg
December 6, 2006
Alissa: My thoughts are with you. Your Mom and Dad always spoke of you with such love and pride and they have much to be proud of.
Sincerely,
Roz Greenberg, Music Teacher with your Mom
Emily Patrei (maiden name Taddeo)
December 6, 2006
Alissa-
I am so sorry to hear about your mother. You are in my thoughts and prayers...
Belkys Rovirosa
December 6, 2006
Hi Alissa,
Your mom was a beautiful person. You are very blessed to have had her as your mother. She was my daughter Stephanie's 1st grade teacher last year and she just adored her. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless you and grant you the strenght and faith that you will need to get through these trying days. She is up in heaven with your father and God.
Alicia Magee
December 6, 2006
HI Alissa,
I am so sorry to hear about your mom (and your dad not to long ago). If you need anything at all, even though we haven't been in touch in years, I am more then here for you and your family. Many people are. All will be in my prayers.
Dan Kennedy
December 6, 2006
Alissa,
I am really sorry to hear about your sudden loss of your mother. Especially, with this being your second loss in the same year. I too have lost family members (my father and my brother), although, not in the same year.
I will not forget the help that you and your mother offered me when I was in my crisis situation earlier this year. It means a lot to me.
Again, I'm I really sorry about your loss. If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know.
Dan
Michelle Armetta
December 6, 2006
Alissa,
Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of your mother. Both my children, Anthony & April, had your mother as their 1st grade teacher. I will never forget her Thanksgiving productions. She was a very dedicated teacher, and I feel that she made a very positive impact on both my children. I am sad that so many children in our town will never have the benefit of having Mrs. DeJonge as their teacher. It is a great loss for everyone in our town, as well as her many family members and friends.
December 6, 2006
Alissa,
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Please know you are in my families prayers.
God Bless
Marie Ferguson & Family
Kimberly Nelson
December 5, 2006
Alissa,
Your mother was my first grade teacher 16 years ago...and I can still remember you coming into our class on your days off from school to read to us...and I remember how excited she was to have you there. I can not imagine your pain, but I can only wish you peace in knowing that your parents are together again. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
June Adams
December 5, 2006
Your mother was first grade teacher for both my granddaughter and then the following year for my grandson. How very blessed they were to have such a loving, accepting and kind role model. Because of her they both loved going to school and my grandson now in grade 2 even brought "Mrs. DeJonge" a rice krispie square on his birthday because he wanted her to know he loved her, even though he was now a second grader with a new teacher. We all grieve not only for you, her beloved daughter, but for all the children who are sad for having lost her wonderful presence here on earth with us. May she rest in peace and may the Lord give you comfort, strength and hope for the future. With each memory of her thank God for giving you such a special mom who was loved by so many and who, I am sure, passed on to you also the lessons and values she exhibited in her own life.
Daniella Sanzo
December 5, 2006
Mrs. Dejonge was one of my favorite teachers. She was my 1st grade teacher and I loved having her teach me. I'm in 8th grade now and I can still remember her beautiful smile and her loving way. Alissa, I remember your mom always talking about you and how she loved spending time with you. My prayers are with you always.
Betty Cassella
December 5, 2006
Dear Alissa:
I was Administrative Secretary to then Principal, Richard Frank when I met your Mother at Edna C. Stevens School so many years ago. I knew you as a small child in kindergarten - four years behind my youngest son. I remember one morning your Mom stopped into the office and said she wanted to share something with me as it was a beautiful June day and a happy day for all of us as another year was successfully winding down, and she said, "I am so happy today, my life is perfect, I have everything I want, need, love, and that is my husband, my daughter, my job here at the school, and you beautiful people to greet me everyday. I am grateful to be part of the faculty at ECS." I'll just never forget that day God gave her to say candidly what she had in her heart to share with me. She was always especially kind to me - both my children were attending ECS at the time. I am praying for you Alissa, and I know God will bless you and give you strength and endurance through this difficult time.
I am so very sorry about your Mom and know that both She and Your Dad will watch over you all of your life. They are Christmas Angels together in Heaven now and will have a joyous Christmas with Jesus.
Fondly,
Mrs. Betty (Sorrell) Cassella
Cheryl Rearick
December 5, 2006
Dear Alissa
I was so saddened to hear about your mom. Anytime I had the occasion to speak with her, I always enjoyed how warm and easy to talk to she was. She will be missed by all those she touched.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Alexis & Dan Newton
December 5, 2006
Alissa, please know that so many people are thinking of you during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
KATHY KNAKAL
December 5, 2006
ALISSA,
I WAS TERRIBLY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR MOM, I CAN ONLY HOPE THAT YOUR MOM AND DAD ARE HAPPY TO BE BACK TOGETHER AGAIN AND I KNOW THEY WILL ALWAYS BE WATCHING AND GUIDING THEIR LITTLE GIRL. GOD BLESS.
KATHY, GENE'S TV & APPLIANCE
Tom and Debbie Melkus
December 5, 2006
Alissa,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you a favorite friend of our daughter Kelli growing up-all those recitals. May all the wonderful memories wrap around you like a warm blanket of comfort...
Cathleen McKinney
December 5, 2006
I am sorry to hear about Mrs. DeJonge I remember her when I was in Mrs. Browns class in Cromwell, she was a special teacher to everyone at the school and that was along time ago that I was there with my brother Sean. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all the teachers there in Cromwell. Love Cathleen McKinney
Liz Johnson
December 5, 2006
Mrs. Dejonge was my Kindergarden teacher 22 years ago. I still remember that class, and remember how much I enjoyed going back to ECS to see and visit her. She was always kind, caring and had such love for all of her students. She will be greatly missed. Alyssa, may your memories of you Mother help you through this difficult time. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Patricia Marcus
December 5, 2006
To Alissa and Family, Although, I did not know your mother and father, she was my grandson, Koty's teacher this year. He was very fond of her and really loved going to her house for trick or treat on Halloween this year. She was one vey special lady and everyone loved her terribly. I know she will be missed by her students, friends and family. I wish to extend my sypathy and condolences to you and your family. I pray God will give you the strength and love through this most difficult time in your life. My prayers and best wishes are with you and your family at this time.
joanne hooper
December 5, 2006
Dear Allisa,
I worked with your Mom and Dad for several years on the Yellow Rose Auction. Your mother's loving ways have touched more then you will ever know and she will never be forgotten because of it.
May God's love sustain you always,
Joanne Hooper
Meredith Gasper
Mercy 1996
Lizabeth Drega (Bobbi)
December 5, 2006
Alissa,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Should you need anything, please let me know.
Sharon Henderson
December 5, 2006
We have only the fondest memories of my son Jordan's 1st grade experience due to this wonderful lady. Mrs Dejonge will be truly missed. Best wishes to her family.
Sharon Henderson and Jordan Alectro
Coleen Miller
December 5, 2006
Paula has been a blessing and friend to my daughter, Katie, new first grade teacher next door. The love Paula showed to everyone will go on in our hearts forever. My prayers and thoughts are with her family. Having just lost my mother recently, God will give you the strength needed. May you find peace, Alissa
Michael Holcomb
December 5, 2006
We will miss you. I am better for having known you. I hope your are at peace with RJ.
Thanks for being my friend.
Joe Gallo
December 5, 2006
Dearest Alissa,
Words cannot express my sorrow and love for you and your Mom and Dad.
To say "I'm Sorry for your loss" can only touch on the sadness I feel. I share in your loss in that I loved your mom and dad, and will always miss them. Love, Joe
Cathy Miller
December 5, 2006
Mrs. DeJonge was truly a wonderful and caring teacher. She was my son, Chris' first grade teacher about 18 years ago. May God accept her into heaven with open arms, and may she rest in peace.
Carey Hahn
December 5, 2006
Dear Alissa and family - I just found out about your mother and I don't know what to say but that I am so sorry. If there is anything I can do for you please do not hesitate. I send you a hug and prayers. Carey from St. Pat's group. 860 227-3165.
Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results
Make a Donation
in Paula DeJonge's name
Memorial Events
for Paula DeJonge
How to support Paula's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Paula DeJonge's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
