Paula M. Gelfuso MacLellan

On Wednesday April 29, 2026, Paula Gelfuso MacLellan passed away at home surrounded by her loving family.

Paula was the beloved wife of the late Robert A MacLellan. Daughter of the late Harriet Valentine Gelfuso. Granddaughter of the late Harry and Muriel (Babb) Valentine. Cousin of the late Cornelia Valentine Murphy. Daughter in law of the late Daniel and Madeline MacLellan. Survived by her sister Andrea Gelfuso Goetz and her husband Andrew of Colorado. Devoted aunt to Nicholas, Mark, Matthew and Jonathan Gelfuso, and Alexander and Annalise Goetz, amazing individuals who have given her endless joy. She also left behind her oldest nephew, Kevin MacLellan, adopted nephew, Dean Andreoni, dear friend Joe Gemma, and Fairy godchild, Laurie Bouley. She left behind many cousins, friends, and in-laws. Paula did not have any biological children but was a maternal figure to many, all of whom loved her deeply. She was fiercely loyal, wildly political, and a force to be reckoned with.

To Paula, surrounding herself with family and friends was her highest priority. She received so much joy in putting together special holiday meals, all complete with her treasured decorations and the perfect accessories. These were affairs not to be trifled with. Family dinners were orchestrated on a regular basis. All designed to bring those she cared about together. She delighted in planning parties and had a myriad of lists at all times making sure every last detail was perfect.

Paula graduated from Providence College and was a travel agent most of her life. She was the owner of Cruise With Us Now since 2004. She spent most of her time at her desk putting together dream vacations for her clients, friends and family. She loved her chosen career and often had to be pried away to attend to things in the real world.

One of Paula’s most prominent traits, aside from loving and caring for others was her frank approach to the world. You always knew where you stood with her. She will be so missed by so many. Her sarcasm, dark humor, and choice of vocabulary had us laughing and many times gasping in faux disbelief. She was tiny but mighty and the world will be less interesting and have fewer matching cocktail napkins.

Her cremated remains will be distributed among the people and places she loved most. Arrangements by Nardolillo Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations to Planned Parenthood or the Democratic National Committee.