Paula Getter Obituary

Paula S. Getter, aged 74.99 like fine wine, recently passed peacefully resting in her home, flying up and away on Thursday, July 24th, 2025.
Paula lived a life full of spark. She was born in Phillipsburg, NJ on August 11th, 1950 at precisely 11.59 p.m. Her parents were Paul Smetana and Julia (Kucharik) Smetana. Paula spent the majority of her life in Phillipsburg, where she was a proud Stateliner, a jolly volunteer in local early childhood education, and a friend to everyone who met her.
Paula graduated from Phillipsburg High School in 1968. She worked for Crayola as a Master Data Administrator for over 35 years (where she often took time to enjoy life's little pleasures, to always stop and smell the crayon wax.) She proceeded to make further friends during employments with the ShopRite of Greenwich as a cashier, then with the Early Childhood Learning Center as a lunchroom aide.
Paula married Frank Getter in December 1978, raising a family of two children and many precious pets. She is survived by her two sons, Matthew and Ryan Getter, and her grandson, Garrett Getter. Paula retains a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins both locally and across the country. She was predeceased by her husband and her two siblings, Dolores (Smetana) Jacobovitz and Carl Smetana, as well as many beloved dogs, pups, and pooches.
Paula's life was filled with laughter, a willingness to give and receive roasting banter, and a genuine appreciation of other people. She was known and is remembered most for her jokester persona, but her kindness and generosity deserve to be remembered just as much. She was a lifelong reader, consuming mystery novels and true crime stories. Her other lifelong love was a passion for plants, gardening, and flowers. Paula relished time outside in the garden, perhaps listening to a summer thunderstorm, regularly prying out birdcall from the soundscape such as blue jays, mourning doves, or "that weird-sounding one," among others.
Thanks go out to the many dedicated health professionals who cared for Paula over the past year during her intermittent stints within the hospital system.
A very grateful thanks is extended to Dawn Daubert, a woman who provided the most exceptional care, companionship and concern for Paula in her latest days. You are a blessing and deserve all your flowers.
A public celebratory service for Paula will be held on Sunday, August 3rd from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Doyle Devlin Funeral Home, located at 695 Corliss Ave in Phillipsburg, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local ASPCA or the American Cancer Society.
Paula exemplified living life on one's own terms, unconventional across the board. She often said, "The only things you have to do in life are die and pay taxes." She lived life on her terms, then left us the same way.