Murphy, Paula D. of Roslindale, December 3, 2017.Beloved daughter of the late George and Catherine (McCusker) Murphy, sister of Eileen (Murphy) Carlson and her husband William of Milton, devoted aunt of Laura (Carlson) Tierney and her husband James of Bethesda, MD, Clare, Donald and Dane Carlson of Milton, Valerie Carlson of Providence, RI and Joy Carlson of Boston, great aunt of Ava Catherine Tierney.Formerly a kindergarten teacher in the Boston Public Schools, an associate with ACOPY/ICON in Westwood and a broker for Caldwell Banker of West Roxbury.Paula was a pivotal presence in the lives of her nieces and nephews, and her love of life and dry wit were a constant source of joy for them all. Paula loved the fine arts--museums, ballet, theatre and music, and at the same time, she was always on top of all things current and political. She was admired for her willingness to start over--from teaching to business to real estate. She was a strong role model in a male-dominated world. Her family and friends will miss her every day. A funeral service will be held in The Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home, 1803 Centre St. WEST ROXBURY on Saturday December 9, at 12 noon. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours in the funeral home on Friday December 8, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers donations in Paula's memory may be made to Oxfam America or Habitat for Humanity. www.lawlerfuneralhome.com Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home 617-323-5600