Belinda Paul (1968-2025)
Belinda Paul, of Acton, Massachusetts, a devoted educator, adventurer, and beloved family member, passed away on January 5, 2025, after courageously battling ALS. She was born on April 14, 1968, in Dover, New Hampshire, to Arnold and Sarah Paul, who preceded her in death. Belinda grew up in Eliot, Maine, alongside her sisters, Rebecca Hyson and Brenda Lyman, forming bonds that would last a lifetime.
A proud graduate of Marshwood High School in South Berwick, Maine, Belinda pursued higher education with determination and passion. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in French Language from the University of Southern Maine before discovering her true calling in speech-language pathology. She went on to obtain a second Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences from Portland State University and later achieved a Master’s degree in the same field from the University of Oregon.
Belinda dedicated her career to helping others find their voice as a speech-language pathologist. Her professional journey spanned several states and schools where she left an indelible mark on countless students’ lives. She worked for Everett City Schools in Everett, WA; Cobb Pediatrics Speech Therapy Services in Kennesaw, GA; Marietta City Schools in Marietta, GA; Up Academy Oliver and Up Academy Leonard Middle Schools in Lawrence, MA; and James S. Daley Middle School in Lowell, MA. Her colleagues and students alike admired her expertise and unwavering commitment to fostering communication skills that empowered those she served.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Belinda was an avid lover of the outdoors who found joy exploring some of nature’s most breathtaking landscapes. Among her favorite destinations were Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada, Mount Washington in New Hampshire, and Mount Hood in Oregon. These adventures reflected her deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world.
Belinda also had an adventurous spirit when it came to traveling. She delighted in exploring Europe—visiting Italy, France, and the United Kingdom among other countries—and took great pride in achieving her goal of visiting all 50 states within the United States. Her journeys were not just about seeing new places but about embracing diverse cultures and experiences that enriched her life.
At the heart of everything Belinda did was her love for family and community. She cherished her role as a wife to Christopher Landry and as a mother to Benjamin Landry, Samuel Landry, and Amelia Landry. Her family was her greatest source of pride and joy; she poured herself into caring for them while also extending kindness and support to those around her.
Belinda’s battle with ALS became an inspiring testament to resilience and hope. Her story was featured on WCVB Channel 5 CBS News as part of their “5 for Good” series (https://www.wcvb.com/article/5-for-good-gofundme-effort-supports-lowell-teacher-with-als/41615215), highlighting the strength she displayed throughout this challenging chapter of her life.
A memorial service celebrating Belinda’s remarkable life will be held on January 19th at 2:00 PM at the Universalist Unitarian Church in the North Parish of North Andover (https://www.northparish.org). Friends, family members, colleagues, students’ past and present are all welcome to honor the legacy she leaves behind.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Compassionate Care for ALS staff members as well as Care Dimensions Hospice and Team Gleason Foundation for their exceptional care during Belinda’s illness.
Belinda Paul will be remembered not only for her professional achievements but also for her adventurous spirit, boundless compassion for others, and unwavering devotion to those she loved most deeply. May her memory continue to inspire all who knew her.
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My deepest condolences to the Paul/Landry family on your tragic loss. I knew Belinda as a memorable French student at Marshwood High School. Additionally, she was a positive influence through her kindness and determination as a member of the “Marshwood family”. We are all better for having Belinda in our lives.