Paula Bladen
Age 83, passed away Saturday, October 08, 2022 in East Lansing, Michigan. She was born October 10, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan, to Phillip and Gertrude Maskin. Paula graduated from Wayne State University and a Masters degree from Michigan State University. During her career she worked at a number of positions for the state of Michigan and as Office Manager for her husband’s law firm before retiring. As a strong supporter of public education, Paula also served as a substitute primary school teacher in a number of public school systems in the Lansing area.
Paula was a longtime member of Congregation Kehillat Israel in Lansing. In her later years, Paula also was an active member of the Meridian Community band and the New Horizons band at the Community Music School at Michigan State University playing clarinet at dozens of public events throughout the greater Lansing area. She also was an active member of the Michigan democratic party and in politics generally having served numerous times as a delegate to the state convention and a volunteer at the 1992 Presidential Debate at the Wharton Center at MSU. As a strong advocate for public participation in the electoral process, she also served as a poll worker in Ingham County for many of her post retirement years.
Paula was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Edwin Bladen; her parents, Philip and Gertrude Maskin; her sister, Sylvia Maskin; and her daughter, Sara Bladen.
Surviving are sons, Philip (Stacie) Bladen and Jeffrey (Margot Palley) Bladen, along with four grandchildren, Sydney, Abigail, Tess, Tabitha and one great-grandchild; Damian.
The funeral service will be held at Noon, Sunday October 9, 2022, at the Estes-Leadley Funeral Greater Lansing Chapel, followed by interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Livestream of the funeral service is available. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Community Music School and the Meridian Community Band, in memory of Paula Bladen. Online condolences may be left for his family at www.EstesLeadley.com.
15 Messages to “Paula Bladen”
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Jean Kaplansky
October 8, 2022 at 6:46 pmRest well, Paula. You get to be with Ed and Sara again.
Love, “Fourth Child”
J Ronald Kaplansky
October 8, 2022 at 6:53 pmPhilip and Jeff I was so sorry to hear of the death of your mother who I knew before you were born. My condolences to the both of you.
Pat Waserman
October 8, 2022 at 8:17 pmRest in peace my sweet cousin. You were so special to me, I’ll miss you dearly.
Beth Cafagna
October 9, 2022 at 12:02 amThank you to Paula for helping organize the first few Summer Solstice Jazz Festivals in East Lansing. She also was a donor to local festivals and the Jazz Alliance of Mid-MI., and attended many jazz events around Lansing (with her husband Ed) for many years. I knew her later at the MAC where she exercised in the water aerobics classes.
Paula was very musical and I played with her in the New Horizons Band for 2 years. She took her music and clarinet very seriously and was a loyal member of 2 bands (as the obituary said).
I will miss Paula very much. She was a special and a brave woman.
With love, Beth Cafagna (my late husband Al enjoyed his friendship with Paula & Ed too.)
Aaron Hoffman
October 9, 2022 at 8:41 amPaula and Ed were long time friends from Detroit days. We came to Lansing about the same time early 60s Both Ed andPaula followed different paths , but had a special interest to keep our old friendship intact
May you Paula rest in peace … you will remain in my heart
Aaron Hoffman
Mary Daugherty
October 9, 2022 at 11:34 amSo sorry to lose a good friend. Make music, Paula!
Carol Ellstein
October 9, 2022 at 12:20 pmSo sorry to hear of Paula!s death. I’m Live-streaming now from Pittsburgh, where Ive lived for a year near Melissa and family, since Joe’s death. So glad I was able to visit Paula in August with Marcia, when I was back in Michigan for a visit. She and your dad were family for us, and remained so, even after Chuck’s death. I will hold tightly onto many wonderful memories. Condolences and love to everyone. Carol Ellstein
Arthur Slabosky and Robin Willner
October 9, 2022 at 12:39 pmWe were glad to know Paula through the KI community. May her memory be a blessing.
Ellen (and Steve) Potash
October 9, 2022 at 12:41 pmDear Phil and Jeff,
I was live-streaming from Nashville. We were so sorry to hear of Paula’s passing. We spent many a holiday and other times with Paula and Ed. They were fun times. It seems impossible that our friends are gone now. We will never forget them. Please accept our sincere condolences. May their memories be for a blessing to you and your families.
Constance Wolfe
October 9, 2022 at 1:13 pmPaula swam with us weekly at the Mac. She had a great sense of humor and was s knowledgeable about music. She will be missed.
Chloe Polzin
October 9, 2022 at 2:50 pmI am sorry to hear of Paula’s passing. I will miss her at New Horizons Band especially.
Chloe
Carolyn Sherrill
October 10, 2022 at 7:11 amI am saddened to hear of Paula’s passing. Paula had a strong love of music as performer, listener, and volunteer at community festivals. All the groups she was involved with benefited from her participation. Sending my sympathy to the Bladen family now and in the days ahead as you mourn her loss.
Mary Graddick
October 10, 2022 at 9:41 amPhilip, please accept my sympathy. I hope you can hold on to the good memories of your lovely mother.
Allan Falk and Jacqueline DeRouin
October 10, 2022 at 7:51 pmWe were very fond of Paula and Ed, and saddened they left us too soon. Our condolences to Phil and Jeff and their families.
Meta Family
October 11, 2022 at 4:54 pmJeff and Family,
We extend prayers, hugs, and our deepest condolences for your loss. We want you and your family to know that you all are in our thoughts. In honor of your mother’s legacy, the Meta Team is making a memorial contribution to The Community Music School.
If you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out!
Warmest Regards,
Meta Family