Paula Gaspar Obituary

Gaspar, Paula T.
Paula T. Reggiano Gaspar, age 90, of Trumbull, beloved wife of the late Stephen J. Gaspar Jr., passed away peacefully on Wednesday August 3, 2016 with her son and daughter-in-law by her side. Born in North Castle, New York on January 3, 1926, she was a resident of Trumbull CT since 1954, and was the daughter of the late Arthur Sr., and Fannie Pruiscato Reggiano. A graduate of Greenwich High School, Paula went on to graduate from the St. Vincent's School of Nursing. She was employed as a Registered Nurse at St. Vincent's Medical Center, Jewish Home for the Elderly, Mediplex of Westport, and was also a school nurse. Additionally, Paula was a member of St. Vincent's School of Nursing Alumni. A devoted parishioner of St. Theresa's Church, Paula was a member of the St. Theresa Seniors, St. Theresa's Catholic Women and the Prayer Shawl Ministry. She was on the Board of Directors at the Polka Dot Playhouse where she was a chief costume designer, enjoyed reading, playing cards and a good puzzle. She was an avid New York Yankees and UCONN Lady Huskies fan. But above all these things, Paula was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all those that shared her life, who treasured time spent with her family. She often kept up with everyone and their daily lives through Facebook and enjoyed seeing everyone through Facetime. Paula will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her. She was predeceased by a son, Paul Gaspar, a brother Arthur Reggiano, Sr., and three sisters, Nancy Furano, Rose DeFelice and Viola Albero. Survivors include her loving son, Stephen A. Gaspar and his wife Susan of Trumbull, who was her special "care-giver", nursing her through her illnesses, three cherished grandchildren, Stephen J. Gaspar III, Danielle Eve Gaspar and Mia Elena Gaspar; as well as several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will take place on Monday, August 8, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. in St. Theresa Church in Trumbull. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Sunday, August 7th from 1–5 p.m. at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To leave an online condolence, visit us at www.abriola.com.

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Published by Connecticut Post from Aug. 6 to Aug. 7, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Paula Gaspar

11 Entries

Betsy Streck

December 6, 2016

Dear Steven and family, I had not heard of your moms passing, I am very sorry for your loss. I was Paula's hairdresser for the last 6-7 years, I will miss our appointments together in her kitchen, as she would speak very highly of her family. She will be missed, she was truly a wonderful friend. My condolences to your family. May she rest in peace,

Sandra Terebesi

August 14, 2016

Dear Steve & Susan, I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom in Church today. Please know I am very sorry for your loss.She loved you both very much. She was a fun, loving and caring lady she will be missed by all.

Happy Times!

Steve Gaspar

August 9, 2016

My Mom, A Heart of Gold

(1/3/26 8/3/16)

As I sat down to write this, feeling grief like I've never experienced before in my life, I was reminded of all the pain in the world. All that each and every one of us goes through. The crosses we all have to bear. People lost to senseless random shootings, children dying of cancer, all the horrible pain and tragedies in the world. And I then began to realize that rather than mourning the passing of my mom, we should all be celebrating her wonderfully long, full and (mostly) happy life (90 years this past January), an amazing woman, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, nurse, caregiver and consoler.

I never met anyone in my life, who so selflessly gave to anyone in need. Everyone's guardian angel, & nurse. I can't count how many times I've had people come up to me and say; I just LOVE your mom. She was that kind of person. The first one people would call the minute they didn't feel well, or had a problem. Always there for anyone and everyone.

She was a devoted fan of her teams, the NY Yankees, the UCONN Girls basketball team, Frank Sinatra, and most especially her family. She joined a group at St. Theresa's called The Needlers(I'd joke with her that they really had to find another name for fear of sounding like a rehab organization), where she began knitting blankets, hats and scarfs for cancer patients, and did so quite literally through two carpel tunnel surgeries and numerous cortisone shots in her hands. But that didn't stop her! Nor did it stop her from going to Bingo and playing cards with her friends.

This was a woman of incredible strength and substance. When my dad was stricken with neuropathy and cancer, she single handedly nursed him in our home until he passed November 13th 1999, just 11 days shy of their 50th wedding anniversary. And as if that weren't difficult enough, just 11 months later, survived the greatest pain any parent should have to endure, when on December 6th, 2000, just two months after she underwent triple bypass heart surgery, my brother Paul died suddenly in his sleep. And through it all, she carried on with dignity. Something that was in no short supply in my house growing up between she and my dad. She somehow mustered up the strength and courage to move forward into her Golden Years.

There was still much life to be lived after these tragedies, including Sue's famous Holiday Feasts and Sunday dinners at our house, and she especially took tremendous pride in watching one of her greatest treasures, her grandson Stephen, go on to graduate from Unquowa School, Fairfield Prep and eventually the Berklee College of Music. She never missed one of these ceremonies, even after saying, I'll never make it.

Things weren't all roses though, as this woman who spent her entire professional career as an RN helping others, would have to endure a barrage of medical diagnosis and procedures that would cripple the normal person. Triple Bypass surgery, numerous heart catheterizations, stents, knee surgery, ankle surgery, eye surgery, hand surgery. She would half-jokingly say; And these are the golden years?

Even so, we were always extremely grateful, that right up until the very end, mom was able to enjoy life. Our family dinners together on Sundays, and lunch every Saturday with her niece Cheryl were the highlights of her week. And mentally? Anyone who'd been around my mom knew she was as sharp as a tack. Able to remember things and events that no one else could, single handedly running her own household and finances even at 90, she often would say, when another physical hurdle was put in front of her, Thank God for my mind! And boy, didn't we all.

As one of my greatest sources of comfort and support, mom attended countless performances of mine, and was always in the audience, even though sometimes wearing ear-plugs, dancing away in her seat. A day never went by that we didn't speak at least once if not more, and even though I might not see her every day, I found great comfort just knowing she was there. That's going to be the hardest part

As with anyone who lives to such a ripe old age, it did at times get rather lonely for her toward the end, after out-living most of her family and friends, and when she'd ask why God still has her here, I'd always say, because he's not ready for you yet mom. You still have a purpose here on earth, and she certainly did all of her life, right up to her very last breath.

Well mom, I guess God was finally ready to take back one of his greatest angels. I know how badly you missed Dad & Paul. Be with them now Mom. At peace and happy forever. Saying goodbye to you is the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life, so rather that do that, let me just say I'll see you again someday.

Love you Mom!

Donna Werfelman

August 8, 2016

Dear Steve & Sue;

I was so sad to read about your Mom's passing. Paula, was a wonderful neighbor and friend. I enjoyed my time with her when we were neighbors. I thought about her often through the last few years...Like you Sue, she would tell me all the time be positive and be happy. We had countless talks when I lived next door to her. I will continue to hear her words the rest of my life. I know both of you were deeply devoted to her and she will be a great loss for you, but just think of the countless memories you have she will remain in your hearts for always. She was so proud of all of you...especially her Grandson.

All My Love,
Donna Werfelman

Michael & Ann Sliva

August 7, 2016

Steve, Sue and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please accept our condolences on the passing of your Mom. May fond memories of her bring you comfort during this hard time in your life.

Aileen Madar

August 7, 2016

Hello to Steve and family , so sorry to read about the passing of your Mom . She has definitely gained her angel wings. You were one of my favorite customers while working at People's Bank - not only processing your many transactions but those for your Mom as well. May she rest in peace. Aileen

Denise (DeeDee) Nadeau-Loomis

August 7, 2016

So sorry sorry for your loss. Your mom was a wonderful woman. I was blessed to spend time with your family during our Polka Dot playhouse years. Several years ago I was able to get reacquainted with your mom when she was coming in for physical therapy. I looked forward to hearing about your family and traveling down memory lane with her.
Remember, the ones we love are never gone, they live within our hearts forever. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Sue Gaspar

August 6, 2016

Mom,

Your passing has left a deep, deep hole in my heart - one that I know will take forever to heal. You were everything to me: the mother I never had, the shoulder to cry on when I desperately needed one, and most importantly, my best friend. You (and dad) helped to raise my son, Stephen into the kind, compassionate and remarkable young man he is today.

I can't believe you have been in my life for 43 years! In that time you have given me a lifetime of memories and moments too valuable even to measure. Your wisdom and guidance throughout that time has seen me through many hardships and joys. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to share my journey with you.

But you are now where you have wanted to be for such a long time - with dad, Paul, your family and friends. And I know you are looking down on me, Steve and Stephen with love and pride, knowing that you have left a lasting mark on each of us in your own special way.

I will keep you with me in my heart always. And when I'm lonely, sad or in need of your hug or reassuring words, I'll remember how you taught me to be strong and stay positive. You once said to me that it's so much easier to be happy than it is to be sad. You lived by that code each and every day. I will never forget that!

I love you, Mom!

Joanne Buccini

August 6, 2016

Steve so sorry for the loss of your mother. I know she will be in your heart forever. What a wonderful women to have had in your life!! Peace and love....

Mike Jones

August 6, 2016

Sorry for your loss. I was a classmate of Paul Gaspar, growing up in Trumbull in the 1970`s.

Dr Robert Caserta

August 6, 2016

Steve so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She was one of my favorite patients and we always enjoyed talking about the Yankees and UConn.

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