Dianne Paula Newell

Dianne Paula (Paquet) Newell, 80, of Bolton, MA for the past 60 years before her passing, passed away on Saturday, October 26, 2024.

Paula was born in Concord, MA, on May 8, 1944. She was one of three children of her late parents Paul Paquet and Alice (Thompson). She was raised in Stow, MA, and graduated with the first graduating class at Nashoba Regional High School in 1962. She attended Fitchburg State University, and received her Bachelor’s degree in Education. She later attended Worcester State College, where she graduated with her Master's degree in Special Education.

Paula worked many years in the Westford Public Schools and at various other teaching positions in Massachusetts, totaling 32 years of teaching. Her specialty was teaching special needs students to learn using different reading systems and strategies, and she enjoyed the challenge of evaluating students to determine whether they had a learning disability, or if they did not.

Paula’s greatest love, and the most important part of her life, was caring for her three sons, and being an active part in their lives. Paula’s hobbies included walking, hiking, and climbing mountains, the highest being Saddlebrook Mountain, which she climbed twice. She also enjoyed biking, cross-country skiing, and tending to her many flower gardens.

Paula was a member of Trinity Church in Bolton, MA, for many years, where she taught Sunday School and Bible School. She enjoyed traveling the world, and visited many countries in Europe, as well as many states across the United States.

Paula is survived by her youngest son, James R. Newell of Oquossoc, ME; her sister Elaine White of Wells, ME; her brother Peter Paquet of Skagway, AK; her five grand-dogs; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. She is predeceased by her oldest son Paul A. Newell, and her second son Michael A. Newell.

Graveside Committal Services will be held for Paula on Friday, November 1, 2024, at 10am, at Eastwood Cemetery, Old Common Road, Lancaster, MA. A Celebration of Paula’s life will be held following Committal Services at 11am, at Trinity Church, 14 Wattaquaduck Hill Road, Bolton, MA.