Paula Shapiro's Obituary
We are deeply saddened to share the news of Paula Shapiro’s passing on March 6th 2026 at the age of 90. For those who knew her, even a little or a lot, she was a special gem and gentle soul who always glowed.
Paula Smith was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Her parents, Irene and Sidney, immigrated to the US from Eastern Europe. She had an older sister, Mae, who she survived. 11 years her younger, Paula looked up to Mae, which then blossomed into an exceptionally close relationship in their later years.
Paula leaves behind three children - Lisa, Marc and Nicole, daughter-in-law Patricia, son-in-law Stephen and four grandchildren - Ariel, Noa, Jake and Ava, and with her first great grandchild on the way. She is survived by her loving husband Richard Shapiro.
Throughout her youth and into her teens, Paula was enamoured with fashion. It was all around her, thriving in the 1950’s, into the swinging 60’s, ushering her into the world of modeling, which she did for many years in New York City.
Paula loved to travel and was fortunate to travel the world, which continued to inspire her love of fashion, and came home with the most interesting and beautiful pieces that she styled on her own. And then in the 70’s the fitness craze came onto the scene and Paula was right there at the getgo; she was also an avid and passionate tennis player. All of this led to wherever she went people would stop her on the street and complement her unique style. This even occurred on the tennis court or at the gym when fashion was not yet a thing. She was way ahead of her time and her creative spirit was just beginning.
Upon her return from the Far East, the ‘Bamboo Basket’ was conceived, an exclusive jewelry and accessories business that Paula started with a close friend. They traveled around Long Island, literally with a bamboo basket filled with treasures curated by Paula. It was the talk of the town into the 80’s.
Overall, it was Paula’s positive easy-going personality and vibrant energy that was infectious to all who met her. Her unwavering kindness stood out and was doled out in abundance amongst the neighbourhood kids and their respective families, who she kept in touch with for decades and decades.
And whether prancing around the city, going to shows, dining or shopping, to simply walking on a beach, she lived life to the fullest, and each and every one of her many friends simply just loved ‘being’ with Paula.
After living and thriving on Long Island all those years, in the 90’s into the early 2000’s Paula and Richard lived and loved in the Hamptons, which included their shared passion for golf. Then they settled full time in Boca West Florida, her last residence. And in Boca, her growing family, her children, her grandchildren loved to visit ongoing which gave her the most pleasure of all.
In the words of her pregnant granddaughter - “Grandma had a special soul and I’m sure she will meet her great granddaughter from above.”
There will be a memorial service at 2pm on Monday, March 16, 2026, at
Beth Israel Memorial Chapel in Delray Beach, Florida.
What’s your fondest memory of Paula?
What’s a lesson you learned from Paula?
Share a story where Paula's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Paula you’ll never forget.
How did Paula make you smile?