Paula Klau Oppenheim

Paula Klau Oppenheim was born on April 29, 1928, and died peacefully at her home in Greenwich, Connecticut, on September 5, 2026, after a full and well-lived life of 98 years. Paula was an extraordinary daughter, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She grew up in New York City where she shared a tightly connected family with her late father and mother, David and Sadie Klau, and her siblings, the late Felice, Lucille, and Jimmy, as well as countless cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Paula loved to reminisce about her early days in New York. She attended Birch Wathen School and taught kindergarten for several years before marrying her devoted husband, the late Bill Oppenheim in 1949. Together they lived in Hartsdale, New York, and then Greenwich, Connecticut. Paula spent her long life sharing her fierce love of family with her four children, Bill, David, Alan and Lisa; her ten grandchildren, Jocelyn, Willy, Jaymie, Annie and Rosey (Oppenheim), Matthew, Mark, and Margaret (Oppenheim), Katherine and Reed (Schultz); and 13 great-grandchildren. She cherished relationships with each child and grandchild, never missing a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or other occasion, always marking it with a personal note and a thoughtful gift. She had heartfelt conversations with all, right up until her final days.

Paula cared deeply about her Jewish roots. She discovered and visited long-lost relatives overseas, keeping in touch over the years, and serving as the family’s repository for anecdotes and stories. Paula was truly the “glue” that kept the extended family together. She enjoyed the wilderness and lakes of Maine, a place filled with fond family memories that she visited her entire life, right up until her final years. Her camera was never far from reach. Paula’s love of photography reflected her appreciation for everyday beauty and life’s simple pleasures.

Paula will always be remembered as elegant yet natural and unpretentious, for her devotion to friends and family, her boundless generosity, her compassion and benevolence, her steadfast nature, and her wise and empathetic counsel.

Authentic in all ways, Paula was a keen judge of character who reserved her deepest bonds for those who shared her values. To the very end, she remained socially engaged, lending her voice and support to programs that promoted education and opportunity. She leaves behind a family bound closer because of her, and a legacy of love that will carry on for generations.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Paula’s memory to Horizons National. Link to Donate: https://tinyurl.com/oppenheimtribute

Mailing Address: Horizons National, 120 Post Road West Suite 302, Westport, CT 06880 Attention: Oppenheim Tribute

A private graveside ceremony will be held on September 16. Her family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all who filled Paula’s days with many joys and pleasures throughout her long life.