Paula Irene Formisano, passed away comfortably, surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 68, on February 10, 2017. She battled cancer for a number of years with humor, positivity and grit. Paula was born in Rochester, New Hampshire on June 17, 1948 to Leo and Beatrice Bosse. Along with her three sisters, she spent her childhood in Dover, New Hampshire and graduated in 1966 from St. Thomas Aquinas High School. That same year, she met Roger Formisano and the high school sweethearts started their love story. In 1970, Paula and Roger married and she also graduated from the University of New Hampshire. After spending time in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and College Park, Maryland, they moved to Madison, Wisconsin in 1978 where they planted roots for over thirty years. Her greatest joy was being a mother and she was a stay at home mom for both of her children.
In 1991, she earned her license to become a travel agent and later started her own travel business. Planning travel for others was something that was a passion for Paula and she was great at it. In the process, she traveled the world herself, something she loved to do especially with her friends, her daughter and her husband. She and Roger attended French Immersion school together in Villefranche, France; they also spent many weeks in Paris together.
In 2013, Paula and Roger moved to Scottsdale, Arizona to retire. She was a dedicated Memere to her two grandchildren Benjamin and Caroline, who live nearby. Paula was full of spirit, quick wit and humor and was known for making other people laugh. She also liked relaxing at their cabin in Pinetop, Arizona with her son’s family. She enjoyed reading, spending time on the golf course, playing Bunco and Mah Jong and with her Rosary group. She was a dedicated and loyal wife, mother and friend who will be missed immensely.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-laws, Donald Wilbur and Louis Westfall. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Roger Formisano; son, David Formisano, his wife, Katie and her two grandchildren Benjamin and Caroline; her daughter Lisa Formisano and her husband, Wilson. She is also survived by her sisters Elaine Wilbur, Joanne Gifford and her husband Bob, Janet Parrott and her husband David and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 from 4:00 – 8:00pm at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home. Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, February 16, 2017 at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 5045 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix. In lieu of flower, donations can be made to Foundation for Women’s Cancer www.foundationforwomenscancer.org and please designate for research.
Donna Wojdula
It’s still hard to realize she’s gone. She was such a lovely, loyal, fun-loving friend. We had so much fun together and I will treasure our memories. I was lucky enough to travel with her and when meeting people they were never strangers for long. May God be with Roger, David and Katie, Lisa and Wilson, Ben and Caroline as well as her sisters and their families.
Tricia Mahoney
Sorry to hear about your beloved Mother’s passing. Thinking of your family at this time. You will all be in my prayers. Sending a hug from New Hampshire.
Norman Turgeon
To my cousins, to Roger, and to Paula’s family
I’m so sorry for your loss. and want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve.
May the knowledge that she is in a better place with Bea and Leo give you comfort.
Sharon Turner
Roger, David, Katie, Ben, Caroline, Lisa and Wilson,
Paula was such an amazing and unique person- so energetic and passionate about everything she did. And that unparalleled since of humor was always so special. It helped us get through many down times in the married student housing at UNC. Our deepest condolences to you all on this great loss. May God hold you in his special grace and help you focus on your many wonderful memories.
Sincerely,
Sherri and A.W. Turner
Versailles, Kentucky
Rod & Diane Hassett
Our deepest sympathy & prayers for this beautiful family.
Rod & Diane Hassett
Lori Derauf
Paula was a great friend, coworker and mentor to me for so many years. I will always treasure the memories of our travels to Europe and the many laughs we had. She was the best travel companion. I can’t believe she has packed her bags for her last journey. I will miss her laugh and the twinkle in her eyes. I’m so lucky to have had her in my life. My thoughts go out to all of you and wish you didn’t have to go through this.
Kim Bosse
Dear Roger,David,Lisa and family,
My sincere sympathy to all of you during this difficult time. I was shocked to hear of Paula’s death. She was a warm fun loving person who will be greatly missed. Please know all of you will be in my thoughts and prayers. My sincere sympathy.
Kim
steve wood
A shadow of deep sorrow covered my heart when Roger was kind enough to advise me personally of Paula’s passing. Undoubtedly a real loss to the family but I am confident that many wonderful memories will endure and her spirit will continue to inspire. Blessings to the Formisano family.
Linda Bosse Duchaine
Roger and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this process.
I know God will give you the strength to move forward.
Sharon and Terry Burke
Roger, Lisa, and David,
We were saddened beyond words to learn of Paula’s passing. We knew her as a friend and as a devoted wife and mother. Paula could light up a room-or an orthodontic office-with her smile and her wit. She will always be in our hearts and our thoughts, and we shall hold you in our prayers.
Jill Sherry
Roger and family,
We are sorry to hear of your loss of Paula. You are in our thoughts.
Tim and Jill Sherry
Madison, WI
Ann Schmidt
Roger and family
Rick and I are sorry to hear this news. We will have you in our hearts and prayers.
Rick and Ann Schmidt
Madison Wi
Gail Midlikowski
Roger, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I’m sure you have wonderful memories that will live on with you. May she Rest In Peace and may you find peace knowing that she will.
Len and Mary Ellen Sosnowski
Dear Roger, David, and Lisa,
Please accept our most sincere condolences.
A Mass is being said for Paula and all of you for healing after your sad loss. Hang in there. len & mary ellen sosnowski
Marge Larson
I am relieved that her suffering is over, but I will always have a longing in my heart for her friendship. I enjoyed our walks and talks about each others’ families. I feel like I have gotten to know you even though I haven’t met some of you. Paula was devout in her faith, and I hope God’s presence in all of your lives, brings you comfort at this very difficult time. With deepest sympathy, Marge Larson