Paula Stokes

Ms. Paula Stokes, 79, was reunited with her beloved family and friends who were waiting for her, as she entered through the Gates of Heaven on Saturday, June 27, 2026. 

Paula, the daughter of the late Florence Haber Stokes and the late William Stokes was born in Newark, New Jersey.  She was a 1965 graduate of Hillside High School and she continued her educational pursuits, earning her bachelor’s degree from the Cincinnati University and her Master’s degree from the University of Maryland.  After graduation, Paula moved to San Francisco, California, where she resided until returning to New Jersey in 2018 and she settled in New Brunswick, New Jersey in 2022.

Paula began her career as a special needs teacher in California.  She then took on the role of a guidance counselor employed by the San Mateo Union High School District, working in the Capuchino High School in San Bruno, California, where she spent many years.  After her retirement from Capuchino High School, Paula continued to be active, working in a reading lab and teaching GED until her illness in 2021 forced her to stop. 

Paula was an avid sports fan, following the Major League Baseball team, the San Franscisco Giants, and the National Basketball Association team, the Golden State Warriors.  She had a great love for the Arts and enjoyed her games of chance in the arena of gambling when she got the opportunity to visit the casinos.   She enjoyed traveling and spent at least two months every year in her favorite destination - Hawaii!

Paula is survived by her niece, Felice Twaddle and her husband, Richard; her great niece, Jacqueline Milan; her great nephew, Eric Twaddle and her best friend since kindergarten, Linda Politan.

In accordance with Paula’s wishes, her funeral here in New Jersey is private and a service for her friends in California will be held soon to honor and celebrate her. 

Paula lived a life according to her own terms and followed the path she carved out for herself.  May she now rest in Eternal Peace.

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