Paula Ferrante Chesnut

In Loving Memory of Paula Ferrante Chesnut

December 8, 1940 - August 1, 2025

Paula Chesnut, 84, of Wake County, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2025, surrounded by family.

Paula was born on December 8, 1940, in Poughkeepsie, NY, to Domenico and Anna Oliva Ferrante. Upon graduation from high school, she worked briefly as a secretary at IBM in Poughkeepsie, where she met James (Jim) Chesnut, her husband to be. Paula and James were married in 1961, and together in Hyde Park, NY, they raised four daughters: Kim Larkin, Carolyn McGlynn, Elizabeth Chesnut and Melissa Chesnut. The family also lived in The Netherlands, Boca Raton, Florida, and Cary and coastal North Carolina. Paula was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who found joy in cooking, playing tennis, mahjong, cruises with Jim and friends, and spending time with her grandchildren. Paula was fortunate to have many wonderful friends and neighbors in the different communities that she lived in.

Paula is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Jim; her children Kim (Jean), Carolyn (Mike), Elizabeth, and Melissa; and her grandchildren Alex, Clarice, Sam, and Anna. She is also survived by her brother, Pat Ferrante (Janis), and many beloved extended family members as well as the family cat Tigger. She was preceded in death by her sister Rose Loricchio (Frank), and her niece Dawn Toimil.

A small memorial service will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the SPCA of Wake County or an animal rescue organization. Paula loved all animals and would welcome the opportunity to help them. Donations can be made on line at: http://www.spcawake.org/donate, or by mail to: SPCA of Wake County, c/o Stewardship Coordinator, 200 Petfinder Lane, Raleigh, NC 27603.

Paula will be dearly missed by all who knew her.