Paula D. Willis

BARRE - Paula D. Willis, 52, Mother, daughter, sister, Naanaa, partner, Auntie and friend to all passed away peacefully at the age of 52 on October 24th, 2025, in her home held by her family. Born on August 22, 1973, to Laurette Baraw, chosen and loved for the rest of her life by her dad Kenneth Baraw. Proud mom to Joshua Sylvester, Jessica Sylvester, Maryellen Goodell and their partners Merina, Greg and Cody. Sister to Donna Ferland and her husband Armand, Melissa Vandyk and her husband Joel as well as two brothers Shannon and Shaun Fortin. Devoted Naanaa to Rodney, Christopher, Jaxson, Jason, Adriana, Josh Jr, Gemma, Ella, Wayne, JP and Kolton. Partner of 14 years to Gary Boldosser who has two sons and a daughter law, Michael, Kurtis and Ashley whom she loved dearly. Auntie to Victoria, Paul, Andrew, Issac, Alexis and Ariana. Great auntie and cousin too many.

Paula was nothing short of a beautiful ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. She lit up any room she walked into. She became a proud mom when she turned 17 to her first-born son Joshua. From that moment her life changed for the better. She prided herself in being the mom she was and still into us. By 21 she had her second and final baby girls Jessica and Maryellen. She always worked hard no matter the circumstance or what she had to do to make sure her kids had anything they needed. Growing up she had her big sister Donna who was her ultimate person, her best friend and confidant. They were side by side from childhood to adulthood to Paula’s very last breath she had her big sister. They loved going on trips to the Ocean in Maine with their mom Laurette who raised and shaped the woman Paula turned out to be. She met her other siblings Melissa, Shannon and Shaun later in life but loved them just as much. When she became a Naanaa, name chosen by her eldest grandson Rodney her whole world changed for the best again but this time even better. Her son Joshua and daughter Jessica blessed her with 9 beautiful grandchildren, and they were her sunshine. She loved being with her grandkids more than anything. From Christmas and other holidays to football practices and games, beach days and shopping trips, if Paula was with even one of her grandkids it was a good day for her. She met her partner Gary who she loved spending time with their favorite times together would be going to Thunder Road to watch their favorite drivers but to believe if her favorite driver Sam crashed, she was leaving. They loved bringing her grandkids to opening day to see the car show and take laps around the track. Off to Dairy Creme after to get her fried dough and her mixed creemee in a dish. She also enjoyed spending time with her fur grandkids Wilferd, Ryley, Maxwell and Happy. Who became her best buddy in her last months of life with us. If Paula was with her family she would be in her happy place.

Paula fought a 6 year long battle with Chronic Congestive Heart Failure. She had open heart surgery, a long recovery and even longer fight with this disease to stay with her family for those precious 6 years after her first surgery before she took her journey to Heaven where she was met by her fur babies Kassy and Lilybug.

She may be gone from earth, but she won’t be gone from within her loved ones. We will look for her in nature and in the sky. As Paula would say “OHANA, ohana means family. Which means nobody gets left behind” Until we meet again. A celebration of life will be held on November 20, 2025, from 4pm to 7pm at The Old Labor Hall in Barre, VT.

Arrangements are in the care of Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home, 58 Summer St. in Barre. 

Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at: www.pruneaupollifuneralhome.com