Carmela “Cam” Casale Paradis, 92, of North Haven, Connecticut passed away peacefully on April 24, 2023, her deceased son Gregory’s birthday.
Cam was born to Michael and Mary Walsh Casale in Portland, Maine, the place she always considered to be her true home. After graduating from Portland High School in 1948, she went on to Gorham State Teachers’ College to study elementary education. Following graduation, she and three classmates moved to Connecticut where she began her teaching career, which would span 59 years, in the North Haven Public Schools. She later earned a master’s degree in special education from SCSU and a sixth-year degree in administration from Fairfield University.
In 1952 Cam married her beloved husband, George A. Paradis, and they enjoyed a wonderful marriage until his passing in 2011. They were blessed with three children, Beth, Michael, and Greg, who were great sources of pride and joy.
Mrs. Paradis, as she was fondly known in North Haven to hundreds of students and their parents, holds the distinction of having taught longer than anyone else in the state of Connecticut. Upon her retirement in 2011, in appreciation for her incredible lifetime of service to the children and families of North Haven, the Paradis Playground at Clintonville Elementary School was dedicated in her honor and a scholarship in her name was established by the Clintonville faculty.
Cam was predeceased by her parents, her husband, two of her sisters, Barbara O’Hara and Mary Lou Barron, her beloved son, Gregory G. Paradis, and her son-in-law, James W. Griffin. She is survived by her daughter Elizbeth P. Griffin and son Michael G. Paradis, six grandchildren: Eamon (Colleen) Griffin, Kiernan (Lauren) Griffin, Cameron (Benjamin) Porter, Blake (David) Weissman, Spencer Paradis, and Austin Paradis, and one great granddaughter: Eleanor “Nell” Griffin. She is also survived by her sister, Delores Kelley, many nieces and nephews, and dear friends.
Family and friends are invited to go directly to St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish at St. Barnabas Church, 44 Washington Avenue, North Haven on Thursday morning, April 27 at 10:00 to attend a Mass of Christian Burial and are also invited to attend the committal service immediately following in All Saints Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Carmela Paradis Scholarship, North Haven Board of Education, 5 Linsley Street, North Haven, CT 06473.
So sorry to hear about your lost, she was a fantastic teacher.
Mrs. Paradis!!! OMG…please see Michael I’m sure he was with the group that welcomed you home. Christopher and I fondly remember reading group…with love. To family she’s an icon!!!
Cam
You will be sorely missed. You have done so much for the children of North Haven Public Schools.
ellie
So very sorry to learn of Cam’s passing. Such a wonderful person who gave so much to so many. Rest in peace Cam. Condolences to the family.
I have fond memories of Mrs. Paradis from decades ago while her student at Temple St School. May we all strive to positively impact the lives of others in her honor.
Beth, I read this with awe. How proud you must have been of your amazing mother. Sending love to you, my old friend, at this difficult time. Cherish the memories of being raised by someone who touched so many lives.
Trying to reach Beth.Sorry for your loss. Please look me up on Facebook, last name Vaccaro
Beth,
I’m so sorry about your mom’s passing. She looks like you and sounds as dynamic as you! May the many warm memories keep you always connected.
Fondly,
Susan Candido Criscuolo