Charmaine Hermine Paul

Hermine Charmaine Paul, passed away peacefully, on August 13, 2024, in Pleasanton, California at the age of 95.

"Charmaine," as she was known to her friends and family, was a loving and lively person, whose life story was truly unique, novel - full of adventure and lots, and lots of stories.

Charmaine was born on May 25, 1929 in the small village of Hilpoltstein, Germany. She was one of seven children, with a brother and sister that passed in youth.

She is survived by three loving sons, Frank (wife Frances), James (wife Marcie), and Erik, and three grandchildren Allyson Neale (husband Steve Neale), Hayley Paul and Austin Paul, and one great grandchild, Frankie Neale. She was predeceased by her husband, the former mayor of Campbell, California, Norman Paul. Charmaine adored her family more than anything, and her love was surely reciprocated - she will be dearly missed.

Charmaine's childhood and formative years were set against the backdrop of a war-torn and ravaged country, Germany, and it was in that setting that her strong, impassioned and sensitive character was forged. Although Charmaine had only a limited, formal education, she was a student of life, and, having to quickly become acquainted with all of the sorrow and finality that war brings, became educated in savoring living, and moving past tragedy.

When recounting her youth, Charmaine was quick to acknowledge that she had no fond memories of that time - rather it was a time that formed her understanding of human frailty and suffering, and allowed her to grow into a person that embraced life's experiences with great thankfulness, and forthcoming simple joy.

As the war wound toward a close, at 19 Charmaine was afforded the opportunity to leave Germany, despite speaking almost no English. Charmaine described it as "moving from hell to heaven." It was during this time that her fortitude and resilience were particularly challenged - living in a new country, with a very different culture, and totally different language. But, as with all challenges Charmaine faced, she tackled it with grit and determination, which led her to being an educator herself.

Charmaine taught special education for 14 years, and though she thought war could never really be understood; unless a person had experienced it for for themselves, she was asked to speak in the history department at San Jose State University about her experiences in the war, and coming to a new country. Recounting her life with the hope of enriching others was something that was very important to her.

After the death of her husband, Charmaine retired, and spent her time traveling, and doting on her family. She'd always maintained a genuine appreciation and interest for life; from the seemingly mundane, to its vast complexities.

Up to her last moments, Charmaine embraced all that life had to offer, and confronted each moment with curiosity and awe. She is certainly a person that met life's challenges with wonder and humility, and lived a life worth remembering.