In Remembrance: Diane Paulson

Our community lost a dear friend and a dedicated volunteer last month with the passing of Newton resident Diane Paulson. Diane volunteered her time, energy and heart to the Newton Food Pantry over many years, and she made a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of working alongside her. She was 87.

Diane always volunteered in our dairy/eggs section, handing out milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, and prepared meals to clients. She could always be counted on to greet everyone with a bright smile, a friendly hello, and an unhurried approach.

Diane was formerly a senior attorney at Greater Boston Legal Services, specializing in family and elder law. She was GBLS’s first lead attorney for the newly established Massachusetts Medicare Advocacy Project, which worked to ensure that Massachusetts Medicare beneficiaries received the coverage they were entitled to. Diane earned a J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law, an M.Ed. from the Boston University School of Education, and a B.A. from Bryn Mawr College, in 1959.

After retiring from GBLS in 2015, Diane joined Lawyers Clearinghouse as an Access to Justice fellow. Paired with Jewish Family & Children’s Services, Diane helped their older Russian clients access Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Fighting food insecurity was an important part of Diane’s life.

At the Newton Food Pantry, we see people each and every week who are struggling to afford the most fundamental of life’s necessities. We are always here for them. But we are also a place of community, particularly for older adults for whom a trip to the Newton Food Pantry is a social excursion of sorts. All clients can shop for themselves, as there is dignity in choice and purpose in the process.

No matter the person’s circumstances, though, they were always able to count on Diane to greet them, help them and care for them. Food pantries are special places, and Diane was a big part of ours. She will be deeply missed.