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BORN
1972
DIED
2021
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Paula Gastonguay Obituary
Paula J. (Goodchild) Gastonguay, 48, passed away unexpectedly on January 16, 2021.
Paula was born in Fitchburg on November 22, 1972, a daughter of Ann (Ayles) Goodchild of Fitchburg and the late Wilfred Goodchild.
Paula was a 1990 graduate of Fitchburg High School where she played field hockey, basketball, and softball. She was later inducted into the FHS Athletic Hall of Fame not only as an individual, but as a member of the 1990 District Championship basketball team. She went on to study Communication Sciences and Disorders at Worcester State University, and then received her master's degree in Special Education from Fitchburg State University. Paula was a Special Education Teacher in the City of Fitchburg for 23 years, and most recently worked as an ETL in the Ayer-Shirley Regional School District for the past 4. Paula had a passion for coaching and has been doing so in various forms since her children were young. Her most recent position was as the Assistant Coach for the Fitchburg State Women's Basketball team. At Ayer-Shirley, she introduced the Unified Track and Basketball programs as well. In addition, Paula was also a Group Fitness instructor at many local gyms.
Her husband, children, and family were her greatest love. It's indescribable the impact that Paula had on everyone she touched. Whether she saw you around town or cheered for you at a sporting event, it was clear that she had a zest for life. Students, players, friends, and family were always welcome in her home. She did not just teach or coach, she loved. Paula was incredibly strong, had a heart of gold, and will be dearly missed by so many.
She is survived by her husband Greg Gastonguay, her two children Samantha and Jonny Gastonguay, all of Ashburnham; sister Donna Goodchild and fiancé Rick Legros of Fitchburg; brother Michael Goodchild and partner Lisa DeTora of Worcester; in-laws Ed and Jeanne Gastonguay of Fitchburg; sister-in-law Cherrie Roy and husband Jeff; brother-in-law Doug Gastonguay and wife Kelly; nieces and nephews, Johnna, Ean, Nicholas, Emily, Abby, and Ali, all of Ashburnham.
Gastonguay
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations be made to the Paula Goodchild Gastonguay Scholarship Fund, that will be awarded to a student who exemplifies the characteristics that she held at Fitchburg High, c/o the Alumni Assoc. of FHS, Inc., P.O. Box 906, Fitchburg, MA 01420, memo: Paula Goodchild Gastonguay.
View the online memorial for Paula J. (Goodchild) Gastonguay
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Memories and Condolences
for Paula Gastonguay
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Robert and Joyce Wells
February 23, 2021
Greg:
We are so sorry to hear of your wife's passing.
May God Bless you and your family during this difficult time.
Much love,
Bob and Joyce Wells
Brian Lawrence
January 31, 2021
Greg, Jean and I only very recently learned of your wife's sudden passing. There are no words. We can only say that we are so sorry in every way imaginable and extend those thoughts to your entire family. Brian Lawrence
Jim conry
January 25, 2021
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Christopher F Keohan
January 24, 2021
A few humble words to my dear brother.
We were not privileged by money and material.
But we had all the material to make a great time and life.
We owe that to our parents and our village.
In our village near to us, there was a family with the last name of Gastonguay.
Eddie and Jeanne had three children in this order: Greg, Cherrie and Doug.
We were also three with a last name of Keohan and Ed and Roe had three children in this order: Sean, Chris and Marty.
We all played as if we were all family.
We had some challenging times when you cannot communicate for some days – the blizzard of 1978.
Cross country ski tracks were made as far as you could stand.
The same thinking was on both sides.
And eventually, our tracks became one.
Even before the Natural Guard arrived, we knew how to help and protect each other.
In the end, my dear friend who is like my brother – my deepest sympathy to you for the loss of Paula.
I did not know her like I know you, but as she is an extension of your family, she is my family.
God speed to the Gastonguays
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Christopher F Keohan
January 24, 2021
A few humble words to my dear brother.
We were not privileged by money and material.
But we had all the material to make a great time and life.
We owe that to our parents and our village.
In our village near to us, there was a family with the last name of Gastonguay.
Eddie and Jeanne had three children in this order: Greg, Cherrie and Doug.
We were also three with a last name of Keohan and Ed and Roe had three children in this order: Sean, Chris and Marty.
We all played as if we were all family.
We had some challenging times when you cannot communicate for some days – the blizzard of 1978.
Cross country ski tracks were made as far as you could stand.
The same thinking was on both sides.
And eventually, our tracks became one.
Even before the Natural Guard arrived, we knew how to help and protect each other.
In the end, my dear friend who is like my brother – my deepest sympathy to you for the loss of Paula.
I did not know her like I know you, but as she is an extension of your family, she is my family.
God speed to the Gastonguays
Marilyn Wheeler
January 21, 2021
Ann, our hearts are breaking for you and your family. May your faith sustain you and we pray that God will wrap His arms around you and hold you close. —— Marilyn Wheeler, Phyllis and Craig Pawelski
Kellyann
January 21, 2021
Greg, We were so saddened to hear about Paula. We are truly sorry for you and Sam and Jonny although we have never met your family we know how much you love them all. It is written all over your face. Our thoughts and my prayers are with you everyday. Our love Kelly and Dj Smith.
John & Megan McIntyre
January 20, 2021
Greg, the news of Paula was so shocking and upsetting to me, (just a casual friend who only recently caught up with you both last summer), I just can’t begin to imagine what you are all going through. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you, your family, and all of Paula’s family & friends at this most difficult time.
Dorothy
January 20, 2021
I am so very sorry for your loss. I worked with Paula at ASRSD and her dedication to children was evident in all she did. You will all be in my prayers.
The Halstead Family
January 20, 2021
We Wanted to Wish Our Sincere Condolences to Greg, Mike & Donna (& Family!) We Couldn't Believe the News & are So Sorry for Your Loss!!
EDMOND A. DESGROSEILLIERS JR
January 20, 2021
Greg, and family deepest sympathies for your loss.
Take Care & Be Well.
Ed (Buzz ) Desgroseilliers
Aaron Isabelle
January 20, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Marie McAndrew
January 20, 2021
The world lost a beautiful light. To Greg and the kid's Mike and Donna your hearts must be broken.
The Sugars
January 20, 2021
Our hearts are broken and our prayers are with the whole Gasonguay/Goodchild family.
We had the absolute pleasure of knowing first hand what a charismatic woman Paula was.
She was a coach and a cheerleader to so many. It was an honor that she was was both to our family. But most important was how fiercely she loved her family. Her love and pride in her family can not be weakened with her passing. Paula will keep loving and keep cheering on all of you as you grieve. And please know the whole community is here for all of you as you go through this unimaginable loss.
Our love and prayers,
Jason, Kim, Clarisse Luke and Quinn Sugar
Nicki Ghilardi
January 20, 2021
We are so heartbroken to hear of Paula's sudden passing. She was a wonderful person in so many ways, and she touched so many lives. May you all find eventual peace in knowing that the legacy she left was one of tremendous love. Keeping you all in our prayers during the difficult times ahead.
With much love.... Nicki, Macy, and Lucas Ghilardi
Katie McGuirk Schultz
January 20, 2021
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. We are so very sorry.
The McGuirk Family
Theresa
January 19, 2021
Donna and Mike, I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of Paula. I hope happy memories comfort you at this sad time....
My deepest sympathy,
Theresa (cook) Nogueira
Kathy Brazeil
January 19, 2021
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
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