Joan Paula (Bresnahan) Fowler

August 2,1930 - September 25, 2024

Joan “Paula” (Bresnahan) Fowler, 86, of Newburyport, MA passed away peacefully at AdviniaCare County Nursing Home on Wednesday evening, September 25, 2024 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Paula was the devoted wife of the late Erford C. Fowler who passed away in February 2023.

Paula was born in Newburyport on August 2, 1938, she was the only child of the late John and Edith (Raymond) Bresnahan of Newburyport. She attended the Immaculate Conception School and graduated from Newburyport High School in 1956.

Paula stayed at home to raise her five children until her baby, Steven, turned eleven years old. Her children can still recall the smell of freshly baked cookies coming from their family home as they returned down the hill after school. In 1979, Paula began her career with the City of Newburyport as the Director of the Newburyport Retirement System. She retired from her position in January 2003.

Paula loved to travel with her husband, children, grandchildren and very dear friends. They especially loved Ireland, various parts of Europe, Aruba, Charleston, SC and New England, but she’d always say, “It’s great to be back in good old Newburyport” the city she loved so much. In addition, Paula thoroughly enjoyed her many years of monthly dinners with the “girls” from high school.

For Paula, family came first always. Even while working full time she was a wonderful homemaker while continuing to raise her children. Family gatherings were a highlight for Paula as she loved to be around her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The annual Christmas Eve family gathering was one of her favorite events while surrounded by those whom she adored most. Paula will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother and will be greatly missed.

She will always be fondly remembered by her two daughters, Eileen Orosz and husband, Charlie of Merrimac, MA and Kathryn Leary and partner, Matt Lavallee of Newburyport, MA; three sons, Michael and wife, Daisy of Weymouth, MA, Kevin and wife, Patty of Newburyport, MA and Steven and wife, Catherine of Hampton, NH; grandchildren, Shannon (Ned) Dunleavy and J.T. Leary, Jamie and C.T. Orosz, Matthew Hunt, Becky, Keenan, Naomi, Jonny (Kristy) and Leah Fowler, great-grandchildren, Colin, Sean, Marcy, Memphis, Leah and Jeremiah; two brothers-in-law, William A. Fowler and wife, Marsha of Salisbury and Clyde A. Fowler, Jr. and wife, Marge of Seabrook; along with cousins, several generations of nieces and nephews, extended family and dear friends.

By request of the family and Paula’s wishes, services will be private. The family would like to thank Newburyport AdviniaCare Country Nursing Home for taking wonderful care of their dear mother, Paula and Elara Caring of Newburyport for hospice care for several months before her passing. Arrangements are by Elliott, Woodworth & Rogers Family Funeral Home, 35 Green Street Newburyport, MA 01950.