Obituary of Paula Elizabeth McCartney

Paula Elizabeth McCartney, beloved wife and mother and dedicated registered nurse and educator, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at her Burlington home on Friday, April 5, 2024. She was 68 years old. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, dedication, and love that will be forever cherished by all who knew her.

Born in Somerville to William and Helen (Doherty) McCartney, Paula was one of three children and had a memorable childhood growing up in a close-knit community. She graduated from Arlington Catholic High School before earning her bachelor’s degree in Education from Westfield State University and her RN from Somerville Hospital School of Nursing.

Paula’s nursing career began at Malden Hospital and she later joined Caremark Therapeutics as a nurse educator. Paula was a natural teacher, a compassionate caregiver, and a tireless advocate for her patients’ comfort and dignity. She had a lasting impact on both patients and colleagues during her time as nurse educator at Hallmark VNA and Hospice. Her professionalism, compassion, and clinical skills inspired and empowered the medical professionals she mentored.

Paula had a lasting impact on the hemophilia community. She was a dedicated and invaluable volunteer with the New England Hemophilia Association where she served as a board member, teacher, and support to families facing inherited bleeding disorders.

Paula’s family was at the heart of her life. She and her husband Jim made their home in Burlington where they raised their children alongside a close circle of family and friends. Together they faced life’s challenges and joys. Even in the face of her cancer diagnosis, their bond remained strong and they cherished each and every moment. Paula was a devoted mother, loving and guiding her children and supporting them in all their endeavors.

Paula cherished time with friends and, ever the voracious reader, enjoyed her many book groups. She was an accomplished crocheter and many babies were wrapped in the warmth of her blankets. Paula loved the beach and spent many happy moments with loved ones by the ocean.

Paula will be remembered for her loving nature, her kindness, and her selfless dedication to helping others..She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives she touched.

Paula was the beloved wife of Jim Kelly. She was the proud mother of Christopher M. Kelly & his partner Vada Circeo of Hudson and Carolyn M. Kelly & her husband Zachary Zaremba of Somerville. She was the sister of William McCartney & his wife Patricia Bachmann of Methuen and Patricia Pascucci & her husband Antonio of San Diego, CA. She was the sister-in-law of Anne Kelly & her husband Mark Van Wormer of Albany NY, Theresa Kelly-Ruhlmann & her husband Paul Ruhlmann of Concord, and Paul Kelly of Brewster. She is survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Tuesday, April 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral from the Sullivan Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 10 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Malachy Church in St. Veronica Parish, www.stveronicama.org, 99 Bedford St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with a burial at Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington.

Memorial contributions in Paula’s name may be made to the Massachusetts General Hospital Yawkey Cancer Center, https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate/cancer-center/, c/o MGH Development office, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114-1101