Paula M. Fitzsimmons of Roslindale died peacefully at home on October 1, 2024. Devoted daughter of the late William and Margaret (O'Leary) Fitzsimmons. Beloved sister of Sr. Carol Fitzsimmons CSJ and the late William Gerard Fitzsimmons II and his wife Paula. Cherished Aunt of William Gerard Fitzsimmons III and his wife Peggy Barbella - Fitzsimmons of NJ., Paul Fitzsimmons and his wife Mary (Martin) Fitzsimmons of NJ. and the late Carol (Fitzsimmons) Russell and her husband the late Todd Russell.

Paula was born on October 6, 1931, and grew up in South Brookline. She was a graduate of Regis College, Weston, MA. and received a MEd in Counseling from Salem State College, Salem, MA.  After graduation from Regis, Paula worked briefly at the Boston Edison as a Home Service Representative on Television and as a Residential Lighting Consultant. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston in 1957 and taught for many years at Cardinal Spellman High School in Brockton, Mt. St. Joseph Academy in Brighton, and Sacred Heart High School in Newton Centre. Upon leaving the Order, she became First Assistant Chief of Probation at Stoughton District Court where she enjoyed helping high school offenders. She received the Amicus Curiae Award from the Bar Association of Norfolk County for Outstanding Service on May 5, 2005.   Retiring the following year, Paula never lost her love for gardening and baking and truly lived her motto: "making life better for all"

Funeral from the Robert J. Lawler and Crosby Funeral Home 1803 Centre St. West Roxbury, on Saturday, October 5, at 10:00 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Holy Name (lower) Church at 11:00am. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours in the funeral home on Friday, October 4, from 4:00 to 6:30 pm. Interment Holyhood Cemetery, Brookline.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston, 637 Cambridge St, Boston, MA 02135 www.csjboston.org

Complete obituary at www.lawlerfuneralhome.com