Paulette Joyce Byer (aka Paulette Silkoff) born February 12, 1943 in New Haven at Yale New Haven Hospital, passed peacefully on Sunday morning, April 21, 2024 surrounded by friends and family.
Her bright blue eyes, infectious smile and mischievous giggle were loved by all who knew her. She was a generous and compassionate woman and friend.  A school teacher for the City of New Haven for 30 years, she was a dedicated member of the Vincent Mauro staff and the Mauro-Sheridan school. Her students were her life's work and she was proud of each and every one. She was a member of Who's Who, a Yale Peabody Fellow in Science  and the recipient of many accolades and awards. She began her professional career as a Dental Hygienist, eventually bringing her skill to the New Haven school system first as a hygienist and then as a health educator where she found her true calling. She was also an avid gardener, cultivating African Violets from her home, and had a reputation far and wide for her prowess. During her younger days she was a professional ballroom dancer and model. She was fiercely devoted to family and friends and an incredible mother. Her presence was a shining light and she is greatly missed by all.  She is survived by her daughter, Shari Silkoff, of New Haven.  Donations may be made in her name either to the American Heart Association or online to Yale School of Medicine Cardiovascular Research for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.