Ridgewood Mom Dies at 52; Spread Joy While Battling Disorder For 22 Years

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — A mom who grew up in Ridgewood and raised her family in Midland Park has passed away at 52, 22 years after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Paula Margaret Lein "loved life and fought hard, never letting the M.S. keep her from living life to the fullest," said her obituary.

Lein, who met her husband Neal in Ridgewood, had two daughters and was involved enough in their athletic events and school that she served on the Midland Park Board of Education.

Lein herself was an athlete. According to her obituary, at Ridgewood High School, she "competed on the track team with her star event being the triple jump. When she got shin splints and couldn’t compete in states, her coach was so upset that he punched a dent in his car."

Paula worked as an accountant at J. Velocci and Associates. After she couldn't work due to illness she "called often, even if it was to just tell a new cheesy joke she had heard."

MS is a progressive disorder of the brain and spinal cord.

Lein is survived by her husband, two daughters, Cali the family cat, and other relatives.

Memorial contributions may be made in Paula's name to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, PO Box #91891, Washington, D.C. 20090-1891. Read the full obituary here.