Obituary: Virginia (Boyle) Paul, 88, 1943 SHS Graduate Served Only Organic Meals Before Her Time

Obituary from Croswell Funeral Home:

Virginia (Boyle) Paul, 88, of North Reading, passed away Aug. 18, 2014.

Virginia was born May 20, 1926 to James and Ethel (Flanders) Boyle in Lynn, Mass. and grew up in Salem, graduating from Salem High School in 1943. She married Edward Francis Paul of Peabody in 1951 and recently celebrated their 63rd anniversary. She was a resident of North Reading since 1965 and a part-time resident of Port St. Lucie, Florida since 2001.

Virginia cared deeply about child development and nutritional education. Virginia started her first business, Little Learners Day Care Center in North Reading.

Well before her time, she served only organic meals and integrated healthy eating into her mission. Three of her grandchildren were among the hundreds who attended her center. Many Little Learners continued to stay in touch and visited Virginia with their own children right up until her death. Prior to starting her business she raised three sons and was well known around town for her generous nature.

She was an ardent promoter of healthy eating and educated herself to the extent that she was at the vanguard of the organic food movement and an educator on personal health and Genetically Modified Foods. After retiring she began a weekly email campaign for healthy eating that was read by thousands of readers throughout the U.S.

She was known for jumping into her car at a moment’s notice and visiting a friend in need. She approached life with kindness, a wonderful sense of humor and the patience of Job. Virginia will be deeply missed by her many friends and her family which include her husband Edward of North Reading, son Bradford M. Paul and his wife Heather of Prides Crossing, son David W. Paul and his wife Melinda of Thornton, N.H., and son Richard M. Paul and wife Kate of Olympic Valley, Calif. Other family members include her grandchildren Erin Paul, the late Brianna Paul, Eden Paul, and Mia Paul, sister Marion Russell of Salem, and deceased brothers Robert Boyle and William Boyle as well as many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading, on Friday, Aug. 22 from 4 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held from Croswell Funeral Home on Saturday, Aug. 23 at 9 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. Mass at St. Agnes’ Parish, 22 Boston St., Middleton. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, North Reading.

In lieu of flowers, the family will be announcing the Virginia Paul memorial scholarship fund. Other donations can be made in her name to the Discalced Carmelite Nuns, www.danverscarmel.com.