Paula Johnson Dillemuth

Paula Johnson DillemuthPaula passed away quietly and peacefully July 30, 2015 in Baton Rouge surrounded by family and friends.   She was born October 10, 1947 in Monroe, La. but was a long time resident of Baton Rouge.  She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Bobby Dillemuth; her sons Mark and Forrest Dillemuth; daughter Jennifer Dillemuth and devoted Daughter-in-Law Amber Lodrigues; sister, Nancy Bourgeois and brother, John P. Johnson and numerous nieces and nephews.  Preceded in death by her parents Paul and Geraldine (Gerry) Johnson and granddaughter, Addison Claire Dillemuth.   She will be missed by her family and many students, parents and colleagues that she worked with over the years. Paula loved working with children.   Supporting her children's public school education, Paula was active in the Walnut Hills PTA, editing the school newsletter.  She served as President of the District PTA and was presented the President's award by the Friends of Education.  In 1973 she helped found Community Co-op Nursery School where she served as a parent, teacher and director.   While at the Co-op she created a unique summer day camp program, "Camp Kaleidoscope."   In her various roles at the Co-op, she influenced many children and their families who still have fond memories of their time with "Miss Paula".  In later years she worked for Friends of the Arboretum at the LSU Hilltop Arboretum.   Starting as a volunteer, she became the Administrative Assistant to the Director helping to plan and organize events including weddings, garden tours and fundraisers, as well as managing the gift shop.   While at Hilltop she began a day camp program for children, exposing a whole new generation of children to the excitement of learning activities in the outdoors.  In her spare time she conducted estate sales and worked with her sister Nancy selling collectables and antiques in various Baton Rouge shops.   Paula was an excellent cook and loved to entertain and assist others with planning  thematic weddings and  parties.  There will be a Memorial service celebrating Paula's life at the LSU Arboretum on August 16th at 5:30 p.m.   In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to the Paula Dillemuth Children's Education Fund at the LSU Hilltop Arboretum.   Donations may be sent to Friends of Hilltop at P.O. Box 82608, Baton Rouge, La  70884.