Amy Elizabeth Paolella, 50, of East Orange, New Jersey, passed away suddenly on Friday, December 5, 2025. A lifelong resident of East Orange, Amy was deeply rooted in her community and cherished the relationships she built throughout her life.

Amy was a proud graduate of the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing at Villanova University. Although trained as a nurse, she dedicated her professional career to quality and performance management in healthcare. Beginning her career at Mountainside Hospital and most recently serving at Atlantic Health System's Morristown Medical Center, Amy made a lasting impact by improving healthcare systems and advancing excellence in patient care. She was admired by colleagues for her intelligence, dedication, and unwavering commitment to making a meaningful difference.

Amy was the loving daughter of the late Richard and Patricia Paolella (née Mullis). She was the devoted niece of Josephine Denicola and the late Nicholas Paolella, as well as Angelo Paolella Jr., Sarah Buglione, Connie Wilson, and cousin Rich. She was predeceased by her grandparents, Robert and Merle Mullis of Albemarle, North Carolina; her aunt Bobbie Hallik of North Carolina; and her uncle Joe Mullis of Florida. Amy is also survived by many loving cousins far and wide, including her closest cousin Jennifer and her son Johnny.

Always impeccably put together, Amy was known as a true fashionista — a classy dresser with an effortless sense of style and grace. She found joy in reading, watching reruns of her favorite show Murder, She Wrote, listening to classic rock, and cheering on Villanova basketball. She proudly supported her beloved "NovaKnicks" team. Amy also loved to cook and bake, delighting family and friends with gourmet dishes and beautifully prepared treats that reflected her creativity, generosity, and attention to detail. She held a special place in her heart for her "adopted canine god-children," Gracie and Lola, who will greatly miss her exceptional culinary creations.

Amy was a lifelong and dear friend to many. She shared a close bond with Kristen and her husband George, and was a loving godmother to their children, Catherine and Georgi. She also treasured her friendship of more than 30 years with her best friend, Cynthia Hoens.

A Catholic Mass and memorial service will be held on January 17, 2026 AT 10AM AT St. Joseph's Church in East Orange.

Amy will be remembered for her elegance, kindness, intelligence, and the love she expressed so beautifully—through her work, her friendships, and the meals she lovingly shared. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, both personally and professionally.

Please pay her kindness and generosity forward, by helping a stranger in need this Holiday season.