Paula Hertel, February 1, 2025
Paula Fay (Nebolsky) Hertel passed away peacefully on February 1st at the age of 82 after a short battle with cancer. Paula was the beloved wife of Norman Hertel for nearly 58 years; devoted mother of Elana Jean Hertel; daughter of the late Harry Nebolsky and the late Leah (Koolman) Nebolsky; daughter-in-law of the late Emma Hertel; sister of Rita Ann Paradis; sister-in-law of the late Bernard Accardi and Edna Accardi; dog mom to Birdie Girl the Beagle; and a cherished aunt, cousin, teacher, and dear friend to many.
Paula grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was the namesake for her father’s shoe store, Paula Lee Shoes. Her lifelong love of theatre and music began at Woodward High School, where she participated in Choir and Drama Club and was a member of Omega Sigma Phi Sorority.
Paula graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1964 with an undergraduate degree in Education. She began her teaching career in Ohio while attending a summer program to earn her Master’s degree at Indiana University. In the summer of 1966, she met Norman on a Friday, dated him over the weekend, and became engaged the following Monday. It was love at first sight. After marrying in St. Louis at Temple Israel in 1967, Paula moved to Missouri to join Norman, settling into a cozy house and teaching position in Kirkwood. In 1983 Paula and Norman welcomed their daughter, Elana Jean. She was the light of Paula’s life.
Paula enjoyed an accomplished career of 50 years in education, spanning all elementary grades, devoted to the teaching and learning process for both educators and students. Her longest tenure was at Bristol Elementary in Webster Groves, where she taught third and fourth grades, pioneering new methods to teach reading, writing and Missouri History. She was so passionate about innovation in education that she joined the national team writing books on the Success in Reading and Writing curriculum, authoring several books and traveling throughout the country training teachers to cultivate strong learners. Paula and Norman also had a private practice in Clayton as specialists in diagnosing and remediating reading and learning disabilities, shaping the skills and confidence of many children and providing their parents the tools to support their learning styles.
After her retirement from public education in 1999, Paula continued her career in the Jewish sector as Religious School Director at Congregation B’nai Amoona, fourth grade teacher at the Reform Jewish Academy, and Interim Religious School Director at Kol Rinah.
Paula was a long time and involved member at Congregation Shaare Emeth, teaching Religious School for many years, and volunteering in many capacities, including the caring committee, usher corps, purim carnival planning, singing in the choir, and leading interfaith passover seders at churches throughout the city.
Paula was an avid supporter and lover of the arts, frequently attending performances of the St. Louis Symphony, Opera Theatre, and ushering at The Fox Theatre for many years. In retirement, Paula continued to support the arts through her volunteer work at the St. Louis Art Museum, Symphony Volunteer Association, and the Frank Lloyd Wright House at Ebsworth Park.
Paula’s interests and hobbies were broad and included knitting, drawing, playing piano, traveling across the United States and abroad, hosting family and friends at her home, and reading. She was an active member and served as the First Vice President of the Pioneers, the first Jewish women’s book club in the nation, a group that she cherished.
Paula’s vibrant smile and laugh lit up a room. She loved people, truly interested in the story of each person who was fortunate enough to cross her path. She was a master at building community and turning friends into family. She was a joyful, generous, and compassionate woman who will be forever missed.
The funeral will take place Thursday, February 6th, at 11:00 AM CT at Congregation Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Road, followed by interment at New Mt Sinai Cemetery. Colorful attire is encouraged in Paula’s honor. The family is grateful to everyone who has expressed love and lent their support during this time.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Paula’s memory to the St. Louis Symphony: https://slso.org/donate/, The Frank Lloyd Wright House at Ebsworth Park, https://ebsworthpark.org, or the Ashrei Foundation: https://www.ashreifoundation.org/. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. BERGER MEMORIAL SERVICE
