Obituary of Paula Levine Engel Riezenman

December 26, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Paula Levine Engel Riezenman on Thursday, December 26th, at the age of 83 and three-quarters (and yes, she would want us to say it just so).
Paula was born to Sol and Sophie Levine in Brooklyn, NY, and grew up steeped in the vibrance of the city she adored. A proud graduate of Midwood High School ‘57, she went on to attend and graduate from Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School and then worked at The New Yorker. Soon after, Paula married and began her most cherished journey: motherhood, raising her two beloved daughters, Stacey and Jill.
In a testament to her determination and love of learning, Paula returned to school after her divorce, earning her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education from Fairleigh Dickinson University and Baruch College. This accomplishment launched a distinguished 30+ year teaching career in Fair Lawn, NJ, Emerson, NJ, and New York City. As a teacher, she shaped countless young lives with her wisdom, kindness, and vibrant personality. She became everyone’s “MOM” and our house was always filled with kids, games, and fun!
After retiring from teaching, Paula embarked on an unexpected and exciting second career as an actor. She began appearing as an extra in movies and television, ultimately earning membership in the Screen Actors Guild. Paula was also a proud breast cancer survivor, a testament to her resilience and courage in facing life’s challenges with grace and determination.
During retirement, Paula found love again in the most unexpected of places: grand jury duty. It was there she met Michael Riezenman, the love of her life. In 1999 they were married by the same judge who oversaw the trial. Their great love affair was written about in the New York Times on three occasions. Together, they built a joyful life of companionship and laughter until his untimely passing.
Paula’s passions were as boundless as her love for her family and friends. She was a voracious reader, an unbeatable crossword puzzle solver (always in pen!), and a lover of music who never missed a beat - her spot on harmonies were second to none. She cherished time spent traveling, indulging in chocolate, adoring amethysts, thus the nickname, The Amethyst Queen, collecting elephants, getting tattoos with her daughter Jill (yes, she had 4), and creating lasting memories with the people she held dear. Paula was an utterly hilarious person with an unforgettable, infectious laugh.
Paula is survived by her daughter Jill and her husband Rich, and her daughter Stacey; her adored grandchildren Richard, Weston, and Kraig; her best friend and sister, Paula Janis; her beloved niece and special caregiver, Victoria, as well as her loving niece and nephew, Monica, and Gregory. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and unshakable friendship.
Special thanks go to her devoted caregivers AKA The Pussycats - Doreen, Charmaine, and Eulet - who enriched her final year with care and compassion beyond measure.
Donations in Paula’s Memory Can Be Made to:
Planned Parenthood
The Educational Alliance of NYC
TNTP (The New Teachers Project)

Funeral Services