Paula Lynn Barlowe

1957 - 2024

Paula Lynn (Antonucci) Barlowe

December 7, 1957 - July 22, 2024

With grace and dignity, her son and husband holding her hands, the loving soul of Paula Lynn Barlowe was peacefully released to the universe on July 22, 2024. She was a brave woman with a fiery spirit, and she is cherished by and was devoted to her large extended family and many friends. That devotion was compassionately returned during her final months. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Paula was a strong advocate for equality and believed in treating everyone with respect and dignity. Her kindness and fairness were evident in all her interactions, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Paula was the daughter of the late Norma and Emery Antonucci and granddaughter of John and Maria Antonucci and Sarah and Mario Magrini. She embraced her Italian heritage. She is survived by her adoring husband of 44 years Robin, her devoted son Chris, his cherished wife Johnna, Johnna's dad John Manchester and her beautiful granddaughters Gemma and Arianna who loved their Gigi. Additional family include her loving brother and sister-in-law John and Antonia Antonucci and their son Rick and his wife McGlensey. She is survived by her Aunt Mary Moncini and many dear Antonucci cousins. Her in-law Barlowe family includes Robin's father Bob, brothers George and his wife Jane and Charlie and his wife Amy plus her loving neices and nephew. There are hosts of Antonucci, Barlowe and Kimbrough cousins counted as her admirers.

Paula was born in Alexandria, VA and graduated from TC Williams High School (now Alexandria City High School). She worked at the US Treasury Department for a year before moving to Richmond and enrolling at Virginia Commonwealth University where she met Robin and graduated in 1980 with a BS from the School of Business and again in 2013 with a graduate certificate in Historic Preservation. In between, and in addition to being a dedicated wife and mother, she worked in restaurants, business administration and sales before finding her true calling in the world of antiques. She opened two successful businesses in Carytown: Second Time Around and Shepherd Street Antiques, with several business partners. She relished the hunt of a good find, the details of the research and brought joy through the restoration of timeless pieces of furniture, silver, jewelry, and decorative arts. Through George Washington University she completed the course work for and gained accreditation from the American Society of Appraisers as a Fine and Decorative Arts and Personal Property Appraiser. She maintained a membership through the International Society of Appraisers. Paula had a love of learning and was self-taught in stained glass, jewelry making, watercolors, cooking, and baking. She delighted friends and family with her amazing cakes. She was an avid live music fan, attending local and far-flung concerts and festivals with Robin, Chris, and friends. She enjoyed traveling, especially to the UK and Italy. Never afraid to try new things, her accomplishments were endless.

The family thanks the amazing staff at VCU Massey and Hospice of Virginia for their dedicated care and compassion.

A celebration of Paula's life will be announced later. To honor her legacy of generosity and compassion, memorial contributions can be made to Feed More of Central VA at feedmore.org.

Memories and condolences can be shared on-line at vacreamate.com.