Obituary of Paula PHD

Paula A. Strong, PHD Dr. Paula Strong, age 62, of Fairview died peacefully at her home on January 25, 2011, after a brief illness, with her family and her beloved Clumber Spaniels at her side. She was born in 1948, the only child of Paul Stanek and Louise Raimondi Stanek of Erie. She was a graduate of Strong Vincent High School and Gannon College, where she was a member of the first class of women who graduated from that institution. She had Masters degrees from Gannon and Edinboro Universities and her Doctorate, in Education, from Kennedy-Western University. Paula was a generous loving woman with a vibrant spirit, and she channeled much of that energy into a career as an educator, with a special passion for helping the students with greatest need. She began her teaching career in Erie. After falling in love with, and marrying her best friend David, a career naval officer, she lived in numerous places around the world and took time off from teaching to raise her children. When she resumed her career, she taught in Peru and the Republic of Panama. Upon return to Erie, she taught Special Education at East High School and then served as an Assistant Principal at Central High School and, subsequently, East High School. A life-long dog lover, Paula and her husband in recent years bred and showed champion Clumber Spaniels and were active in both the Erie Kennel Club and the national Clumber Spaniel Association. Paula is survived by her husband of 37 years, David and two children; Nicole Strong of Bend, Oregon and Christopher Strong of Erie. Interment will be at the Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum in a private, family service. There will be no calling hours, however her friends are invited to join the family in a celebration of her life at the Erie Yacht Club on Saturday, January 29th between the hours of 2 and 6 pm. In lieu of flowers, Paula wanted memorials to be made to the charity of the donor's choice. The Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Road is handling arrangements. Enhance your memorial with a slideshow and video