PAULA WESTFALL DENNING
BRISTOL ---- Paula Westfall Denning passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 11, 2024, after losing her long battle with brain cancer
Paula was born in Laconia, NH August 16, 1941. Her parents, Paul and Grace Westfall, lived in Bristol, NH The family moved to Maryland until the untimely death of her mother. Paula was raised by her grandparents Harland and Winnifred Goodhue whom she loved dearly. She always appreciated the love and care that they gave her.
Paula attended and graduated from the Bristol school system. After graduating in 1959 she attended the Shepard-Gill School of Nursing in Boston, Massachusetts where she received her diploma as a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1962. Paula worked as a nurse in Massachusetts and New Hampshire both as a private duty nurse and a hospital nurse. She particularly enjoyed working with older people. She had a very calming, quiet way about her that her patients responded to.
In 1962 Paula married Joe Denning. They had three children, Deborah Jane Denning, Donna Jo Denning, and John Henry Denning. Paula was a loving and devoted wife and mother. Paula’s family includes six grandchildren: David O’Connor, Kathleen O’Connor, Amanda Kearney Drinkwater, Nicholas Kearney, Hannah Kearney, Sara Denning and one greatgrandchild, Briella Kearney.
Her family was the main focus of her life. During the growing up years of her children she had them involved in everything from pottery classes to becoming part of the community through the Brownies, Cub Scouts, dance classes, sports, family dinners and all of the activities that helped them become the good people that they have become.
Paula supported her husband's activities in and around the Bristol community. She loved to play tennis, swimming in Newfound Lake, sailing, travel and most of all just doing wonderful things together with her husband Joe and her family. She especially loved to walk the roads of Bristol and help Joe, a Selectman for the Town of Bristol for years, pointing out places that needed repair, or sidewalks that needed to be installed, such as the one on Pleasant Street that leads to Hannaford’s grocery store. Her love of the Town did not stop at the sidewalks, she was active in the Pasquaney Garden Club. She delighted in seeing the Town light-up in colors. She was an artist with a natural ability to work with watercolors, shaping the paint into birds or scenery. Most of all, Paula, loved to be with her family and friends whether it was sitting at the table or on the porch and just talking about the latest goings on.
Paula’s family and friends will miss her easy smile and quiet manner. She lived a life that was full and worth living.
There are no calling hours.
A graveside service will be held on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at 1pm at the Homeland Cemetery in Bristol. Rev. John Fischer will officiate. A gathering will follow at the Masonic Lodge, 61 Pleasant St., Bristol.
For those who wish, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Tapply-Thompson Community Center, 30 North Main St., Bristol, NH 03222
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/Emmons Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com or EmmonsFuneralHome.com.