Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Written by the family

Paula Ann Jurin Roth left us on April 15, 2024, at the age of 78. The world has truly lost one of a kind.

Paula was born in Portsmouth, Va., on Dec. 21, 1945, to Sareta and Yale Jurin. Growing up in Richmond, her family was always at the center of a large circle of friends… friends who felt more like family. Apart from the happy times spent in Richmond, Paula and her sisters also formed lifelong memories during their summers spent at Camp White Mountain in West Virginia. Paula was one of the first campers to attend.

Adulthood took her to Cherry Hill, N.J., followed by a short stint in North Carolina, and then three memorable years in Puerto Rico. By 1977 she had settled down in Orlando, Fla., to raise her children, Rick and Kim. It was there she met the love of her life, Harvey Roth, and his children, Robert and Rachael.

After graduating from UCF in 1985, Paula worked as a social worker with head trauma patients; then served as a teacher at the JCC preschool; and also worked 1:1 with special needs children. Her later years were spent volunteering with Orlando’s local chapter of Hadassah.

From an early age Paula was blessed with an artistic eye. However, many would say her greatest aesthetic achievements were of the gourmet variety. She enjoyed making all sorts of dishes, and conversely never met a meal she didn’t want to just, “try a taste of.” A foodie’s foodie, she would often visit her happy place: the grocery store. (“Ooh— a new keto-friendly food!”) 

Paula was also an avid collector of many things: teapots for one, friends for another. Fiercely loyal, her friendships were made for life and around the globe. Her other passions ranged from mahjong to movies… from researching family trees to simply spending family time. But above all else, Paula loved her grandkids and would kvell on any social media platform about their accomplishments. They truly were her pride and joy.

Lastly, she was truly a lady’s lady: someone whose hair was always in place, who always showed up accessorized, and who NEVER pumped her own gas. 

Paula is survived by her husband, Harvey Roth; her daughter, Kimberly Waxman (Dennis); her son, Rick Dascher (Julie); her stepson, Rob Roth and stepdaughter, Rachael Joachim (Paul); six grandchildren— Zak, Addison, Avery, Devin, AJ, and Seth; her sisters, Susie Hyman (Howard) and Fran Arogeti (Jack); and her brother-in-law, Michael Roth (Ginwa), and sister-in-law, Ellen Lyons (Bob). (Also, her love of cousins, nieces, nephews, and other family members was legendary.) 

Funeral Services were held in the Jacob “Yank” Frank Chapel at Temple Israel Cemetery (9302 Morton Jones Road, Gotha, FL 34734) with Rabbi Arnold Siegel of Jewish Family Services officiating. May she rest in peace and may her memory always be a blessing.

Services entrusted to Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel, 933 Lee Road, Suite 101, Orlando, Florida 407-599-1180.