In Memoriam: Paula Jane Brainerd

From DellaVecchia Funeral Home.

Paula Jane (Tuttle) Brainerd, of Southington passed away peacefully on Dec. 29, 2015 at Hartford Hospital in the company of family and friends.

She was born in New Britain on November 17, 1946, daughter of the late Paul and Marguerite (Harding) Tuttle and grew up in the Kensington section of Berlin.

Paula was a graduate of Berlin High School and Dean Junior College in Franklin, MA and worked for over 20 years at Allstate Insurance.

Paula spent childhood summers at her family’s home in Chatham, MA and never lost her love for the Cape visiting often during her adult years. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister and friend and despite numerous health challenges in her later life, always made time for her family, particularly her grandchildren whom she loved dearly.

Paula is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Franco and spouse Derek of Foxboro, MA; son, Jay Brainerd, and spouse Kristen of Glastonbury; brother Craig Tuttle and spouse Charlotte of Plainville and grandchildren Jake, Adam, Celia, Trevor, Elizabeth, Emily and Sarah. She is also survived by her Aunt Anna Buckley of San Diego, CA with whom she shared many memorable Cape Cod summers and several beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She will also be missed dearly by special friend Karen Gagnon whose friendship she has cherished since high school.

Please join the family for a celebration of Paula’s life on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016 at 7 p.m. at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St. Southington. Calling hours will be Tuesday 4-7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to the Crohns Colitis Foundation of America. P.O. Box 303 Middletown, CT 06457.