Nancy Yewell
I met Paula at Congregation Beth Am in the 1992. She hired me as a part time receptionist in the synagogue's office, one of seven ladies filling various supporting rolls to the rabbis, cantors, Hebrew school, finance, membership and the congregation. Paula's relationship with the members and with us was always professional, meticulous and kind. Her deep Christian belief opened her heart and mind respectfully to the deep Jewish faith of this community. Paula and we in the office developed a strong bond. Someone among us gave us the moniker "Bath Am Babes." Over time, we each moved on to other pursuits, yet the Bath Am Babes met quarterly for lunches and to catch up. As many of us moved away from the Bay Area, meet-ups dwindled. When Covid hit, and we were all sheltering at home, we, like so many others, met via Zoom every week, and we continue our weekly Zooms. Staying in touch with the Babes far and near is a priority we all celebrate. I miss Paula, as we all will. She was a remarkable woman who gave her life to others with love and commitment. She gave me a job when I had been a "career" stay-at-home mom who thought she had no marketable skills. I am so grateful to have known Paula during her "Beth Am" chapter of life and to our friendship these past 32 years.