Paula (Brotman) Spivack, 93, of Chelsea, formerly of Everett and Salem, NH, passed away on October 18th, with family members by her side.
A life well lived.
Paula was born on May 8, 1933, to Leo and Rose (Kaplan) Brotman of Everett. Rose passed away 6 months after Paula was born. Paula was blessed to have been raised by her second mother, Edith (Tunkel) Brotman, who was the only mother she ever knew. Together, Leo and Edith provided a warm and supportive household for Paula and her loving brother, Alan, who predeceased her. Paula adored her brother, Alan, and they remained very close throughout their lives. Alan's wife Kathy was like a sister to Paula.
Paula graduated from Everett High School in 1951 and married her husband, Sam, in 1953. Paula and Sam were married for 55+ years before Sam’s passing in 2009.
Paula had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. Her smile lit up a room. In high school she made a name for herself as a comedienne in the drama program. This talent led to her developing a pantomime act, which she performed at bridal showers and other events, entertaining audiences by impersonating celebrities such as Danny Kaye, Buddy Hackett and Louis Armstrong. She also wrote and directed many comedy programs for her synagogue (Congregation Tifereth Israel in Everett), always to rave reviews.
She lived life to the fullest and was happiest at her beloved cottage on the lake on Arlington Pond in Salem, NH. There she was always outside "puttering," whether it was building a rock wall, laying flagstone, or gardening. When not outside, she could either be found at her workbench in the cellar or cooking up a feast for upcoming visitors to "the lake." She was very creative and was known for her complex photo collages that she made for her children and grandchildren.
Paula was an avid Boston sports fan, especially following the Red Sox and Patriots. She was an accomplished swimmer and diver, and was often complimented on her gracefulness in the water, well into her 80's.
A kind-hearted soul, she always wanted to help anyone she felt was in need. She cared deeply about all people and loved animals as well. Above all, Paula loved her family and nothing was more important to her than spending time with her children, grandchildren, and her great granddaughter.
She was the devoted mother of Earl and Phyllis (Delorey) Spivack of Wakefield and Adele (Spivack) and David Garlick of Merrimack, NH. She was the loving grandmother of Shayna (and Patrick) Neuburg, Joshua Garlick (and Tessa Griffin), Rebecca Spivack, Kayla Garlick, Allison Spivack, and the late Leah Garlick. She also leaves her cherished great granddaughter, Hannah Neuburg, as well as beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Services at the Torf Funeral Chapel, 151 Washington Ave., Chelsea on Wed., October 21 at 11 AM. Contributions in Paula’s memory may be made to Chelsea Jewish Lifecare, 165 Captains Row, Chelsea, MA 02150.