Paulette A. Arnold

Paulette A. Arnold, 78, of Clayton, Delaware passed away at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford on Friday June 6, 2025.
Born on May 31, 1947 in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, Paulette was the eldest daughter of Charles and Helen (Marosz) Subrick. She graduated from Canon-McMillan High School in 1965 and Duquesne University in 1969.
As an Air Force spouse, Paulette enjoyed her time traveling and moving to destinations that included Georgia, Illinois, Spain, England, Oklahoma, and, eventually, Delaware. Her professional career as a public school teacher began in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and, after moving to Delaware, she continued in that role for the Smyrna School District for many years as a science teacher, retiring from the district in 2010. She was known for her strict and rigorous teaching style and the volcano and dinosaur projects, which, undoubtedly, many of her former 8th grade students can still recall. Paulette also enjoyed her additional roles as a Smyrna High School class advisor and as director of the school's drama productions. A very active and ardent public education union advocate, she was elected to and proudly served as the president of the Smyrna Educator Association during her time in the school district.
As a mother she was a strong role model for her daughters, showcasing "girl power" with her vigorous work ethic and her unwavering, dedicated support of their many extracurricular activities and endeavors. Her distinct, notorious yell of "Go Red!" from the sidelines of her daughters' field hockey games was one of the many fond memories of her support and encouragement. As a grandparent, "Gma" (pronounced jee mah) wholeheartedly involved herself in her grandchildren's lives, creating new, special memories as she elevated the importance of family celebrations, planned family trips to the Outer Banks, established fun Christmas shopping excursions, and promoted funny games like "Family Fun Balloon Toss" and "Crocodile Rodeo". She was an animal lover and an owner of several pets, including a parakeet, a turtle, a frog, a hissing cockroach, a tarantula, a cat (Oreo), and her beloved original Bichon Frise dog, Popcorn. Strong-willed and steadfast in her beliefs, to her friends and family Paulette was very caring and extremely generous. Amongst family and friends she will always be remembered for her Jeopardy prowess, the Halloween festivities on her front porch, her support of and love for the field of science, and, as a high school student who scored a perfect verbal SAT score, the ultimate editor for the writing and editing needs of family and close friends.
Paulette was preceded in death by her beloved parents and former husband Paul V. Arnold. Her memory lives on in her three daughters, Heather Jones and her husband Chris, Melissa Sayers and her husband Tom, and Cassandra (Cassie) Hosler and her husband Wade. "Gma" also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Alison Mitchell and her husband Jake, Auden Jones, Amber Sayers, Augustus (Gus) Jones, Owen Hosler, and Evan Hosler. She was also excited to have recently met her precious first great grandchild, Riley Mitchell. Paulette is also survived by her adored sisters Elaine McGuire and Charlene Subrick. She will also be missed by her dear close family friends Jacqui Wilson, Deborah Knopic, and Brian McFarland.
Family and friends are welcome to attend a celebration of life service for Paulette Arnold at Faries Funeral Home in Smyrna, Delaware on Thursday night, June 12, 2025 at 6pm with services starting at 7pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, Delaware 19963.