Paula Abrams Alperin

by | Feb 5, 2021 | Obituaries

Norfolk—Paula Abrams Alperin, 81 of Norfolk passed away on January 21, 2021.

She was a native of Portsmouth, the daughter of William Abrams and Esther Lipman Abrams. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1957. In 1958, she married her husband of 52 years, Ervin Alperin of Norfolk. She graduated from the DePaul School of Nursing with a Diploma in Nursing. Shortly after, she became a Registered Nurse and worked at DePaul Hospital in Norfolk. She later went back to school as a mother of three and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Old Dominion University. After many years of providing devoted patient care, she moved into an administrative position in response to the critical nationwide nursing shortage. She inaugurated and developed the new position of Nurse Recruiter where she was responsible for attracting and hiring the best talent in an extremely competitive environment. Many local nurses began their careers through Paula’s tireless efforts. She eventually retired from DePaul and began a new career in insurance. She became a licensed agent and worked for John Hancock, alongside Ervin. Together they launched Asset Preservation Specialists to provide quality coverage in the rapidly emerging and much needed Long Term Care insurance field.

All the while, Paula continued to raise and nurture her children, Karen A. Goldberg (Martin Goldberg) of Norfolk, Wendy A. Rubin (Rick Rubin) of Naples, Fla., and Jeffrey Alperin (Faith Alperin) of Norfolk.

In addition to a very full work and family life, Paula was deeply involved in the Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater where she formed true and lasting relationships with Holocaust survivors and invested great energy in promoting Holocaust education and remembrance. Paula was a member of Temple Israel and was a member of the Temple Israel Sisterhood. After the untimely passing of her husband Ervin in 2010, Paula met Arnold Slone of Norfolk, with whom she enjoyed a loving relationship until his recent passing.

Paula was predeceased by a brother, Marty Abrams; her husband, Ervin Alperin; and two sons, Richard Neal Alperin and Kevin Lyle Alperin. She is also survived by her sister, Norma A. Butler of Norfolk, her brother Robert Abrams (Joan Abrams) of San Francisco; grandchildren David Goldberg, MD (Jennifer O. Goldberg), Lauren Goldberg, Ali Rubin (fiancée Mike Reed), Ryan Rubin, Meghan Martin, Thomas Baird, and Tyler Baird. She is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Adalee Collazo of Norfolk and Gabriel Collazo of Norfolk. She also leaves bereft much extended family and many dear friends.

A private graveside service was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery with a live stream via Facebook provided by H.D. Oliver. Rabbi Michael Panitz officiated. Donations to Temple Israel or the organization closest to your heart. Online condolences may be sent to the family at hdoliver.com.