A Family's Donation Connection

The sudden and unexpected loss of Paula Rubenacker, 45, of Wayne, hurt the hearts of many in our local communities. The happily married mother of two was a popular School Social Worker and Guidance Counselor at Washington Elementary School in Wyckoff. While each day may now be a challenge for her husband Matt, he finds some strength in his family’s connection to organ and tissue donation.

“Paula’s tragic passing comes with a great deal of sadness, but there is a ray of sunshine to brighten our story,” said Matt. “Paula’s life was spent helping others, and she was always incredibly supportive of organ donation. Through this tragedy, her gift of life is already helping others. With the help of the dedicated staff at NJ Sharing Network, Paula’s loss has given life and hope to others. It is hard to imagine a more loving, a more kind, or a more selfless act than this.”

The Rubenacker family’s connection to organ donation and NJ Sharing Network dates back more than 20 years. Matt’s mother, Jackie, donated one of her kidneys to help save the life of Paula’s mother, Pat, who enjoyed an additional 15 years of spending precious time with her family.

NJ Sharing Network, in collaboration with St. Joseph’s Hospital, honored Paula with a special NJ Sharing Network flag raising ceremony.