The magnificent Paula Cohen Buonomo, née Shuster, passed away on July 18, 2026.

Born in Philly and raised by Herbert and Claire Shuster, with an assist from Aunt Rose Switken, Paula and her family moved to Philadelphia, where Paula graduated high school with every honor ever and went on to achieve a B.A. in English Literature from American University and a Reading/Language Arts certificate from the University of Pennsylvania. Paula’s endless curiosity compelled her to pursue a number of different career trajectories that included teaching and real estate.

Paula was known for her fierce loyalty, her acerbic sense of humor and her total refusal to let anyone she loved feel like a bystander in their own life. She built a world of friendships far bigger than her family ever fully knew. To the many who showed up for her, especially in these last months, her family is deeply grateful.

Paula is survived by her son, Adam Leaventon and his wife, Dayna; her grandson, Cash, who knew her simply as "Bub" and was the greatest love of her later life.

Relatives and friends are invited to graveside services on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 11AM at Montefiore Cemetery, 600 Church Road, Jenkintown, PA 19046. Hymie’s and kibbitzing optional following the service at the Leaventons’, located at 701 S. Bowman Ave., Merion Station, PA 19066.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in Paula's memory to VITAS Community Connection (vitascommunityconnection.org), the charitable arm of VITAS Hospice, to whose care team the family is profoundly indebted. Contributions go directly to supporting hospice patients and families in need.