Paula L. Assero, general manager of The Avenue at White Marsh, died of lung cancer Thursday at her home in White Marsh. She was 50 and had lived there for 18 years.
Ms. Assero grew up in Hamilton and graduated from Northern High School, then earned a bachelor of science degree in education from Towson University. She took graduate courses at the Maryland Institute College of Art. During the late 1990s, she received certificates for studies in marketing and management from Michigan State University, through the International Council of Shopping Centers.
Ms. Assero began work as an art teacher in the mid-1970s, first in Harford County and then in Baltimore public schools. She changed careers in the early 1980s, becoming district manager for the Ole jewelry store at White Marsh Mall.
During the early 1990s, Ms. Assero was assistant manager at Glen Burnie Mall, and in the mid-1990s, she became the general manager of Perryville Outlet Center.
In 1997, she was general manager for Nottingham Properties Inc. and opened the shopping and entertainment center in White Marsh.
"Paula got The Avenue at White Marsh up and running, and did a wonderful job making it a successful project," said P. Douglas Dollenberg, president and chief executive officer of Nottingham. "Her vast knowledge of retail operations, her attention to detail and her tremendous enthusiasm were evident every day she worked with us."
"Paula came to Nottingham like a burst of sunshine. She always had a big smile for everyone and a sincere interest in all those with whom she came in contact," said J. Joseph Credit, executive vice president and chief operating officer. "Her cheery attitude affected those who worked with her, as well as those in her beloved family."
Red Brick Station Restaurant & Brew Pub owner William L. Blocher said, "Paula was not only a friend. She was the glue that held the whole project together, and we loved working with her."
A funeral Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. tomorrow at St. Francis of Assisi Church.
Ms. Assero is survived by her husband of almost 25 years, Stuart H. Sochrin, and her mother, Ruth Assero, sister Michalene DiPaolo, and brother Charles Assero, all of the Bel Air area.
The family suggests memorial donations to the Lois Harvey Miller Infusion Center, in care of the Greater Baltimore Medical Center Foundation, 6701 N. Charles St. Baltimore 21204, or to St. Francis of Assisi Church, 3615 Harford Road, Baltimore 21214.