Paula B. Fiore, 76, of Concord, Massachusetts and Cape Elizabeth, Maine, passed away at Emerson Hospital on May 20, 2023, following a brief illness.
Born on January 25, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Attilio and Victoria (Montuori) Fiore. From her father, she inherited an unending curiosity about the world, her love of flowers, and her deep warmth and compassion. From her mother, she inherited her joy in cooking for family, her devotion to animals, and her fiery spirit.
She was raised in Somerville, and attended Cambridge Matignon School, followed by Mount Auburn Hospital School of Nursing. She was a Registered Nurse for many years at several area hospitals. When she managed the Blood Bank at Emerson Hospital, she had regulars who would come to donate blood as often as they could just to enjoy the camaraderie and joy that she brought into their lives while they were in her chair. Later in her career, she worked in billing and patient accounts, where she was always a champion in helping people get the insurance coverage they needed to get the care they deserved.
She was the beloved mom of Robin DeRosa (and her husband Phil Lonergan) of Campton, NH and Peter DeRosa (and his wife Lisa) of Concord, MA. Paula was also the proud grandmother of Ruby Lonergan, and Lucy and Caroline DeRosa; there was nothing she had that she did not try to give away to them, and she felt blessed to watch them grow into the beautiful and brilliant young adults they are today. Paula was the dear sister of Elizabeth Coty (and her late husband Robert) of Concord, MA and Carol Wood (and her husband Donald) of Acton.
Paula also leaves behind several nieces and nephews and their young families; her good friend and former husband, Joe DeRosa; and a number of lifelong friends. She was surrounded by many of them, and showered with love in her peaceful final days.
Relatives and friends will gather on Sunday, September 17th at 2 pm for a celebration of Paula’s life at West Concord Union Church, where she was a member.
Paula wanted nothing more than to care for the loved ones in her life. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to support two organizations that she hopes will make a difference to people who are close to her: The Glioblastoma Foundation or
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. To share a remembrance or to offer a condolence in Paula’s online guestbook, please visit www.DeeFuneralHome.com.
