Paula M. De Paola

Paula DePaola, the former Chairperson of the Business Department at Eastside High School in Paterson, New Jersey, who lived a life of flair and without compromise, died in her home in Englewood. She was 87. Paula is predeceased by her husband Charles ("Chiz") DePaola and her parents Flora and Paul. She leaves behind many dear friends and her brother Jerry, sister Norma, and niece Nicole.
Born in Paterson, New Jersey, the oldest of three children, Paula began her teaching career in the Paterson school system at age 22 in 1955. She received her B.A. and M.A. from Montclair State Teacher's College (now known as Montclair State University). Paula taught at Eastside High School until she joined its administration. She was later promoted to Chairperson of the Business Education Department which is a role she held until her retirement in 1998. She took a brief leave in the 1980s to live in Chicago with Chiz when his work relocated him there.
Paula and Chiz spent many years exploring the Mad River Valley from their weekend home on Sugarbush mountain in Warren, Vermont – where they also had many dear friends.
Paula loved fashion, music and reading. She loved being with her family and friends although she remained intensely private. She was interested in and curious about the world. Diminutive in size, though slightly taller with the high heeled boots and shoes she never stopped wearing, she could hold her own in a variety of situations.
Paula was active throughout her life, attending dinners, concerts, plays, performances and parties. She sometimes combined several of those activities in the same day and would top them off with tea and dessert with her sister and niece.
Paula had an easy laugh and could find humor in situations. She didn't let anything stop her from going forward– going out with friends, celebrating holidays, having fun.
Gentle, talented, intellectual and endlessly supportive of her friends and family, she made an impact on the people she met and will be forever missed.
Visitation will be on Sunday December 19, 2021, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at Vander Plaat Funeral Home, www.vpfh.com, 257 Godwin Avenue Wyckoff, NJ 07481. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, December 20, 2021, at 12:00 pm at the Church of the Nativity, 315 Prospect St., Midland Park, NJ 07432. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paula's memory to St. Jude's or other worthy cause.
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