Paula Tabor '76

11 comments on Paula Tabor '76

1. I am still processing the reality of Paula Moore Tabor’s passing. Paula was a shinning light in the Williams Black Alumni Network (WBAN) community. She encouraged me to get involved with WBAN from it’s origin and I did so at her urging. My husband James Foy ‘79 and I attended many WBAN events, along with our daughter, eagerly anticipating Paula’s warm welcome and infectious smile. Paula was always the epitome of hospitality, which I believe best describes her spirit. She was genuine and welcoming. I will cherish our long one on one dinner where we laughed, reminisced, and discussed our future goals. Paula was a joy to know and I am better for having known her. She loved WBAN and Williams College. She will be greatly missed.

2. I have only the greatest memories of Paula as fun and caring classmate, never “pulling rank” give her upper class rank. And during her decades of work at Williams after graduation, while I did not visit often, she was always only an email or phone call away. Her passing is a loss for generations of Williams students.

3. It was during my employment at Williams College that I would meet Paula. I can still envision her from my office window, coming through the courtyard of our neighboring buildings and rushing out to greet her. Who could resist conversing with her? Our friendship would continue long after both our departures in 2013. I learned over the years that Paula embodied the artful philosophy of living in the present. She did not wait for all those “tomorrows” to travel the world and engage with people but would make it a conscience priority to do so now. And all along the way, she shared her bright light – a beautiful spirit that would touch so many souls. I will miss you my friend and I pray for your family who will no doubt carry your spirit forward.

4. I met Paula is 2002 when I returned to Williamstown and my 2nd grader was in class with her daughter. She warmly welcomed us and was always a radiant presence. I always admired her positivity and enthusiasm. Heaven is a better place today.

5. I don’t remember when I first met Paula, but I feel like I’ve always known her. Her smile and her laugh are so entertwined with my Williams experience.

   I still remember her reaching out to me when I lived in Barcelona. She invited me to dine with other Ephs who were on a Williams trip. It was one of the best and most memorable evenings there. But, delightful, surprising, and memorable are all common when you rolled with Paula.

   I last caught up with Paula at our last reunion. As a ’96er, I had the benefit of being on the same reunion cycle as her. As always, she was doling out advice, fun, and new experiences. I can’t believe I won’t experience her vibrant laugh again.

   She gave so much of herself, and she will be missed.

6. Paula was an amazing kind and beautiful lady!
   My fond and lasting memory of her was she had given me a ride from Williamstown to NYC and dropped me off in New Rochelle, NY to visit my aunt. She picked me up from New Rochelle and on our way back to Williamstown we were involved in a traffic accident somewhere on the NY thruway! Her brand New yellow VW beetle was smashed!!

   She was so “cool” and generous! There were I believe 3 other students cramped in the beetle. Paula’s concern was our safety. He assured us “do not worry my parents will get over this! We are all safe and surely we will graduate from Williams and will be able to buy whatever car we want!!!”

   Yes we did graduate, and anytime I had purchased a new car these words came to my mind.

   I kept in touch with Paula over the years and she consulted me several times over the telephone for medical advise especially when her parents were sick. I met her a few times l had made the trip to Williamstown and she always updated me on her world travels….South Africa Europe etc….
   I still do not believe she is gone!!!
   She was my only active connection to Williamstown and Williams!

   That special voice, smile, and energy will be missed. Rest in peace dear sister.

   Dr.Michael OPONG-KUSI
   Broken Arrow , Oklahoma

7. Gonna post here an edited version of the email I sent to our W’76 classmates when I found out this sad, sad news:

   “Dear W’76ers,

   Some people are just bigger than life, so it’s really hard to believe that they are gone when they are gone . . .

   I’m writing today to let you know that we have lost one of those people: Paula Moore Tabor passed away peacefully yesterday after suffering a stroke earlier in the week.

   Paula — or “Princess P,” as I called her — was one of my best friends. A friendship forged largely after Williams, when we discovered our mutual passion for travel and roamed the world together. From Martha’s Vineyard (where she was honored for her over 20 years of service at the annual WBAN gathering) to Malta (where we went after celebrating her beloved niece, Ari’s wedding in Spain) . . . Picton to Paris to Provence (her favorite place in the world) . . . Naples, Florida to Naples, Italy (where we were supposed to venture before COVID) . . . Paula knew someone in every port and everyone knew Paula.

   More importantly, everyone LOVED Paula . . . How could you not?

   Always smiling . . . Always interested and interesting . . . An impeccably dressed, radiant ball of energy who found joy in everyone and everything . . . And boy did she love all of us, her fellow Ephs:

   It was Paula who instigated our group 60th birthday party down at the Naples Golf & Beach Club. And Paula never missed a Reunion! In fact, she planned to attend both East and West Coast Alt-Reunions this past June — but put the West Coast aside when her daughter needed her help. Which is what Paula, the ultimate “giver,” always did if someone needed her — especially her fabulous family.”

   Huge hugs to Paula’s wonderful husband, Geoff, her lovely, brilliant & gorgeous children, Trent & Kelsey (whom she adored), & ALL her amazing family.

   I have lit candles all over Italy for my fabulous, beloved & irreplaceable buddy — whom I will miss forever!

8. Paula was actually the very first person I met at Williams. We were fast friends and and I could tell that I met a friend for life. She was always supportive and sharing and a true blessing in the diaspora that was Williams.

   Paula was was the BEST of people! A glowing spirit and a truly inspirational and positive presence. Always showing her best face. Her positivity was infectious and her support was unwavering for her causes. Frankly, I still wonder how she managed to keep her spirits up as well as the spirits of those around her.

   I will miss mostly that I will never see her again as I remember her and I will always cherish those memories. 49 years of knowing her is not enough.

   My prayers for and deepest condolences to her husband Geoff, and children, Kelsey and Trent .

9. Paula Moore Tabor was one of the people most instrumental in helping me get through a tough couple of years at Williams. I don’t exactly remember how I was introduced to her but she grew to be one of my favorite people in the entire Williams Community. She was always so warm and caring and really fun to talk to. She knew how to navigate an often difficult to navigate system and would invite me over for dinner. I ended up babysitting her kids a couple of times. Just a wonderful person. My mom even remembers chatting with her a couple of times. A devastating loss for everyone and my deepest condolences to her family and friends.

10. When I was a junior and senior 1993-1995, I didn’t realize Paula Moore Tabor was a new administrator at the college. All I knew is that somebody was offering me opportunties to be connected with alums and that an adult was taking me and my friends seriously. Much later I realized how powerful her presence was at the school. She was a burst of fresh energy, understood that not everything was great but was insistent she would use her power to make improvements. Paula was always warm and inviting. She was aware and wanted to move the institution forward. I am so grateful for her presence and want her friends and loved ones to know generations of students are indebted to her for her inclusive and energetic nature. Her passing is a big loss for our community.

11. Thank you for organizing that amazing alumni trip to Sicily. We had a blast that year. I also appreciated the art shows you would organize. I still have “Barbara Calling” on my wall. I will treasure those memories.