Paula T Melnick (Bourbeau), a proud lifelong resident of Lawrence passed away on Friday, December 13th, at Holy Family Hospital, with her daughters, one on each side of her. Being as strong as she was her whole life, Paula had fought especially hard the past year to spend a little more time with her family in her “little house.”
Paula was the daughter of Norman Bourbeau and Rita (LeGendre) Bourbeau. She was the loving sister of the late Reina Antwine and Gilbert Bourbeau.
Paula’s love and memory will be carried on by daughter, Tamara Melnick, of North Andover, daughter, Rebecca and her husband Brian Schaufenbil of Methuen, her grandsons, Cole and Blake, sister Norma Morse and brother in law, Gary Morse along with good friends and relatives who loved her.
Paula attended Sacred Heart School in Lawrence and Vesper George School of Art in Boston. Paula held several office clerk positions - some of her favorites being with the Lawrence Public Schools, Shawmut Bank, and Lawrence Superior Courthouse where she found her forever position and enjoyed very much the people with whom she worked. Paula had only retired four years ago at age 74.
Throughout her life, Paula enjoyed art, especially painting, fashion, travel, music, flowers, shopping, books, the beach, the Celtics, and above all being with her family.
Paula’s beauty was stunning and shone from her heart. It seemed, too, that everything she touched became beautiful also - she created gorgeous paintings, flower beds and gardens, stylish outfits, and lovely rooms.
Though quiet, Paula also had a feisty sense of humor that close family and friends appreciated.
After visiting Germany at a young age with her sisters, Paula postponed travel until she was able to go with her daughters to Spain, Italy, Bahamas, and her dream destination, Paris. She cherished the memories she made on these trips. It was, however, their annual summer vacation on Salisbury Beach that brought her the most joy. In earlier years, she’d walk and play with the boys by the water, and later she’d rate their beach treasures, watch them ride waves, participate in donut rankings and share in movie nights.
Considered sick a lot of her life because of several health conditions, she defied many odds, lived a long life and showed many that her spirit was stronger than anyone knew. She cared for her yard which was beautiful, colorful and impeccable. She raised two daughters on her own, often working two jobs at a time. She attended every event they had from talent shows to games to plays and all kinds of performances. She was present at the birth of her two grandsons and when she became Mima, the one who spoils, the name perfectly suited her because she spoiled them to no end.
A mom of two, Paula was known as “mom” or “Mama Melnick” to others, as well. Paula welcomed and accepted her daughters’ friends warmly and supported them, too. Just recently, many of these “kids” now adults reached out to share how important this was to them in their childhood. Paula’s kindness impacted more than she knew.
The family would like to thank the staff of Holy Family and Hannah Duston who cared for Paula, especially the compassionate respiratory teams.
A private celebration of Paula’s life will be held in the Spring. When the weather warms, please think of Paula when you see a new blossom emerge and please do something to make the world more beautiful as she did: tend to gardens, plant flowers, paint, nurture others, donate time or money, volunteer and think of her when you do.
If you asked Paula, she would have said her life was ordinary, unremarkable, but when you ask those who knew her that was not the case because she loved unconditionally and with her whole heart - a gift she passed on to her two daughters who will cherish her “all the days of our lives.”
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home of Andover. For additional information, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com.