Times were tough in 1933. The United States was writhing through the Great Depression, the drought of the Dust Bowl and rising apprehension as Germany became a one-party state. Gloomy headlines plastered the newspapers, but on August 6, 1933 a brilliant ray of sunshine was born. Her name was Paula. She would spend her life serving others, bringing smiles and warmth to all those around her. She would only stay a short amount of time in her birth city of Haverhill, MA before relocating to Garden City, NY, where she would spend a great deal of her youth. Only 30 miles from New York City, Paula frequented “The Big Apple” with her friends making memories that would last a lifetime.
After graduating high school, Paula went on to Colby-Sawyer College at a time when less than 6% of women attended university. She then attended Columbia Presbyterian Nursing School and earned her BSN. Some say that nurses are “angels with stethoscopes” and Jim H., Paula’s future husband, certainly must have agreed. The two met at a party, fell in love and had three beautiful children together: Kristine, Carey and Jamie. As Jim’s career advanced, the family relocated several times, but ultimately settled in Washington D.C. Paula had become so experienced at moving that she decided to help others do it by becoming a real estate agent. She was able to showcase her elegant style and sophisticated eye by decorating the interiors of homes as well.
Throughout the years, Paula enjoyed cooking, decorating, and investing with her brother, Phil. Jim and Paula traveled the East Coast extensively, spontaneously taking road trips in retirement. They were once so engaged with each other during a trip, they ran out of gas in the middle of the road!
Anyone who has met Paula can still see the sparkle of Times Square in her eye, and we are so fortunate to have that sparkle at Kensington Park. She loves all our music programs and can often be found dancing her way down the hallway. Paula has spent her life helping others, be it through her compassion as a nurse, her dedication as a realtor, or her affection as a mother. Now, she continues to help others by spreading her joy wherever she goes. Paula is one of those rare people who has made the world better just by being in it.