Paula W. Landau

Paula Landau, 88, of North Caldwell, New Jersey, formerly of South Orange, NJ and Otis, Massachusetts, passed away on Tuesday, August 24. She was a loving and devoted wife, sister, mother of two, grandmother of six, and great-grandmother of three. Born Paula Sue Wilson in Newark, NJ on September 17, 1932 to Herman and Ada Wilson, Paula grew up in West Orange with her younger brothers, Leon and Edward Wilson. As a girl, Paula loved to attend Girl Scout Camp in Saranac Lake. In her teenage years, she was popular among her peers and lived a busy and active social life. She went on to graduate from Centenary College, where she might tell you she mastered the art of napping.

She was married for 64 years to the Honorable David Landau, whom she met on a blind date while both were vacationing in Florida. In an effort to impress his date, David picked up Paula in a rented convertible. Upon getting in the car, Paula requested that he put the top back up to protect her perfectly-styled hair. They were wed in 1957, and together raised two daughters, Elise and Abby. A caring and nurturing mother, she always ensured her home was a haven in which her daughters felt safe and supported in whatever they chose to pursue. With her grandchildren she was the same way, making herself ready and available for whatever they may need, be it a sounding board or an early morning car ride.

She was elegant yet relatable, down to earth yet effervescent, thoughtful yet unflappable. She loved to host and was known for elaborate and beautiful centerpieces, often constructed of everyday and natural materials. A self-taught geologist, Paula spent decades collecting and trading minerals, fossils, and jewelry, curating a veritable museum of natural history in her own basement. She traveled extensively in pursuit of her collection, experiencing all manner of interesting people and adventures along the way. She held a deep appreciation of the performing arts, and was often happiest on Summer evenings at Tanglewood in the Berkshires. Paula had an uncanny ability to make conversation and new friends of all ages, and she remained sharp, thoughtful, and interested in her interactions. All who knew her, loved her.

Predeceased by her parents Herman and Ada Wilson and her brother Leon Wilson and his wife Judy Wilson, she is survived by her husband, the Honorable David Landau, her brother Edward Wilson and his wife Ellen Weisburd, her daughters Elise Ershow and Abby Landau, her sons-in-law Donald Ershow and Steven Stein, her grandchildren Jeremy Ershow and his wife Dorrie Barbanel Ershow, Corey Ershow, Danielle Stein Litton and her husband Alexander Litton, Adena Ershow, Alexandra Stein, and Netanya Stein, her great-grandchildren Elena.