Dorothy Paul (1927 – 2024) Eulogy Continued Part two

My mom did not drive, but Mrs. Paul did drive. I remember traveling with the Paul’s all over the northeast in the 1950s era Chevy. We went to lunch at the early hamburger joints in the area, ate at Linton’s, and even drove out to the Greenwood Dairy. In our teen years, Curt and I regularly drove to the shore and stayed in their little apartment in Ventnor.
Dorothy’s husband Louis worked selling produce off his truck, which he parked out back. Eventually, in the mid-1960s, Lou opened Paul’s Fruit and Produce at 6615 Castor Avenue. Louis bought the produce from the markets on Oregon Ave and sometimes from the wholesale markets in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and stocked the store. Dorothy, however, ran the store from the register. She dealt with pushy and cranky customers with amazing patience and quiet determination. That and her Kansas “how do you do” friendliness helped make that little store a long-term financial success. Who did the bookkeeping? Dorothy, at her dining room table on Magee Ave. She and Louis were true partners. 
You know I could go on for hours; the stories are endless. However, I wanted to come up here today to celebrate Dorothy Paul, a truly authentic, patient, and forgiving person who cared fiercely about those she loved. She had a life well lived! We will deeply miss her but never, ever forget her.

Thank You.

Dorothy Paul (1927 – 2024)
For me, Dorothy (Mrs. Paul) was a multi-generational figure and, in many ways, a second mom to me.  Even at 96 years plus, her passing shook me to my core. With my global travels for my business and a growing family, weddings, births, and my life in Rhode Island, it became harder and harder over the years to visit with my family in Philly and still have some time to check in on Curtis, Diane, Anita, and Dorothy. With the eventual passing of my parents, it became harder still. 
I became determined to visit the Paul’s when Diane and Curt told me that Dorothy had finally moved into an assisted living community. So, about 18 months ago, I think, I took some extra time from a family trip to visit Curt and Dianne and pay a surprise visit to Dorothy. When we got there, Curt sprung the surprise on her. Upon seeing me, Dorothy’s mouth dropped, her eyes widened, and I was ten years old again. She grabbed a hold of me and locked me into a bear hug that was held for several minutes. And that is how true affection works. We had a great afternoon talking and sharing.
I first met Dorothy Paul 63 years ago, in the summer of 1961, when my parents moved from Germantown to Oxford Circle. We moved into the 1500 block of Magee Ave in July, and quickly, her son Curtis and I became best friends. Since Curt and I played together, I quickly became a permanent fixture in their household. Dorothy looked over us both inside and outside the house. Right next door, my house was more chaotic, but the Paul’s household was far more sedate. This was due to Dorothy’s calm and measured midwestern demeanor. Thus began a childhood of countless lunches and family dinners with the Pauls. My childhood was intertwined with an endless stream of parties, trips, outings, birthdays, plays, musical pantomimes we put on in the Paul's basement, weddings, and more.  
Part One - Continued in following note

Sincerest condolences to her beloved family, God bless, and may she rest in peace.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Dorothy A. Paul

27 juin 1927 – 1 janvier 2024

Lamb Funeral Home Inc.

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