Paula Rood

1942 - 2021

ROOD - Paula It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Paula Rood on March 20, 2021. Paula was the only daughter of Peter and Pauline Laudenbach, and was born on June 10, 1942 in Brooklyn. She is survived by her devoted husband David Rood, and her two sons, Timothy and Gregory Rood, daughter in law Elise King-Rood, and 2 granddaughters, Caroline and Elizabeth Rood. Her granddaughters were the joys of her life and holidays were filled with celebration and love. Elise became the energy and joy for Paula in her final years. Paula was raised in Smithtown since 1945 and graduated Smithtown High School in 1960. Hers was a working class family and she was a lifelong supporter of the aspirations of working people. As a student she excelled on a high school team of competing scholars. She attended Albany State and Hofstra Universities, where she received a Master's degree in speech and hearing pathology with a magna cum laude distinction. Paula became a Speech Teacher and then taught Elementary grade level classes for Three Village Schools for twenty six years. She was a published author, and her book "The Gift of Words" remains in publication.A love of the arts, especially theater, filled her retirement years. Travel and food were her other passions and she produced meals that were memorable and delicious. Paula's daughter in law Elise shared the goal of culinary creativity, and together they made every family event festive. Paula was outspoken and committed to many social causes and her passion was the well being of children and the less fortunate. She always saw every side of an issue and was willing to change. Her vitality fueled and inspired her life and she affected many in a positive way. She will be sorely missed by those who knew her for even a short while.There will be a private gathering of friends and family in the fall to celebrate her life. Donations in lieu of flowers should be made to the American Heart Association.