Leonora Irene "Nora" Paul

12/19/1942 - 8/5/2025

Waterford - Leonora Irene (Cini) Paul, 82, of Waterford passed away unexpectedly Aug. 5, 2025, following a brief illness. She was born at home in Mystic Dec. 19, 1942, which was fitting as home and family were always most important to her.

Nora was the daughter of Tulio P. Cini and Mildred M. (Ferguson) Cini. She graduated from Stonington High School in 1960. In 1968, she married Arnold Bradford "Brad" Wykoff Paul. The couple settled in Waterford and had three daughters. Though they divorced in 1980, she considered Brad the love of her life and chose not to remarry.

Prior to marriage, Nora worked for Finest Grocery, then Electric Boat as an insurance clerk. Later positions included Saint Bernard High School, Electric Boat, the State of New Hampshire and Mohegan Sun.

Nora was predeceased by her parents; brothers, David Cini of Black Point and Ron Cini of Mystic; and her eldest daughter LaurieAnne Paul of Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Nora is survived by her six remaining siblings: Marilyn Caputo of Groton, Patricia (and Rod) Grow of Plainfield, Terrance (and Joyce) Cini of North Stonington, Kathleen (and Marty) Cubanski of North Stonington, and Gary (and Cindy) Cini of New Hampshire; sister-in-law Sally Cini of Black point; and her much loved and dearest friend, Ruthanne Ferace of Gales Ferry. Nora was blessed to grow up surrounded by many cousins and relatives nearby and enjoyed countless memories and adventures with them throughout her life. She loved all of her nieces and nephews, who could always be counted on when in need. Nora is also survived by her two daughters, Kathleen Conner of Ballston Spa, N.Y., and Jennifer Towle of Saint Augustine, Fla.; and the greatest joys of her life, her six grandchildren: Kerian, Meghan, Erin and Lauren Conner, and Zander and Kyra Towle.

In addition to her love for her grandchildren, Nora had a special love and affinity for dogs, would talk about them at any given chance and never passed up an opportunity to love a new one. As a young woman, Nora competed all over New England with her archery club and enjoyed ceramics. She loved to sing and spent many years with the choir of St. Mary's in Greenville. Nora was extremely proud of her Irish and Italian heritage, with St Patrick's Day being her favorite holiday.

The family would like to recognize her caretaker, Talitha Nival, who brought her so much life, love, joy and comfort in her last few years.

A Catholic Mass, followed by burial, will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at St. Patrick's in Mystic. A reception open to family and close friends will follow from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the VFW in Mystic.