Paula was born in Albany, NY, to Sam and Shirley Cohen. Her grandparents owned a small family grocery store in their neighborhood. A naturally gifted artist, Paula pursued her passion at Parsons School of Design in Manhattan where she earned a degree in Illustration. While in the publishing industry and managing the home, Paula also worked as a free-lance illustrator, providing art for magazine articles, scholastic and other publications as well as for books.

Later, Paula expanded her artistic talents, working to launch a career as a children's book writer and illustrator. After several years of work, Paula's debut work, Big Dreams, Small Fish, from publisher Levine Querido, is to launch on March 1. Paula was and her family and friends are extremely proud of this significant accomplishment and were looking forward to more great things from this extraordinary artist.

Paula was predeceased by her parents, Sam and Shirley.

She is survived by her loving husband, Paul Martin; by their devoted sons, Joshua and Julian; by her sisters Mira Sonders of Albany, NY, and Naomi Turtle of Southampton, England; by nieces Jessica Sonders-Han of Dobbs Ferry, NY, and Kate Solomon (nee Sonders) of Hastings-on-Hudson, NY; and a scruffy, grumpy, wonderful schnauzer, Joxter, on whom Paula doted and whom she adored.

Friends and family will gather at 10 am Tuesday March 1 in the Memorial Funeral Home 155 South Avenue Fanwood, NJ 07023. A service will begin at 11:30 am followed by burial in Hillside Cemetery in Scotch Plains.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions in Paula's name to the Yiddish Book Center (http://www.yiddishbookcenter.org).

Funeral arrangement under the care of
Memorial Funeral Home

Updated by : Paul F Martin