Paula K. Calandra

Paula K. Calandra, 84, of Bristol passed away peacefully at Newport Hospital on Friday, August 9, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of Leonard A. Calandra for 63 years. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Helen (Byrnes) Tattrie. Paula, a true Bristolian, went to St. Mary's Grammar School, graduated from Colt Memorial High School, class of 1958 and attended the former Johnson and Wales Business School. She was a lifelong communicant of St. Marys Church in Bristol where she was a member of the Womens Guild. In addition to raising four sons, she also volunteered her time for Rhode Island Meals on Wheels program for many years. Paula was employed as a CNA at the former Metacom Manor for over 10 years, and co-owned with her husband, Duffy's News in Bristol for several years. What Paula loved most was spending time with her family and friends. Mom was a very fun and upbeat person. Her life centered around Faith, family and friends. She loved nothing more than sitting on her deck and enjoying the sun, having a glass of wine with our dad. In later years, she and dad enjoyed many good times at the homes of their children, in Newport RI and Meredith, NH., always showing up with a delectable homemade dessert, and always showing up with a nice outfit on, as she always took great pride in her appearance. She was a staunch lifelong Bristolian and watched 83 Fourth of July parades, missing only this past 4th, due to her illness. She loved Bristol, and her favorite spots were Walley St. Beach and Colts Drive. She also loved South Shore Beach in Little Compton, and stopping at Walkers Farm Stand and Grays Ice Cream on the way home from a long day at the beach were all part of it. If we were really lucky, we might even stop for fried clams, (Moms favorite)! She passed that love of the water and a love of all things Bristol on to her family. St. Marys Church played an essential role with mom. Beginning with her baptism there, receiving all her sacraments at St. Marys over the years as well. She never missed mass and kept up going until illness made that impossible. She and dad were married for 63 years, and dated for 6 years before that, meeting at a CYO dance at St.Marys. They married in 1961 and raised 4 sons. We all had a blast with mom. She was the mom in the neighborhood always feeding everyone, and a baked treat was never far away. From her pumpkin breads to her famous hello dolly bars, or anything chocolate, moms desserts were always in demand. She never missed any of our events, birthdays, sports, scouts, CYO, school, you name it, mom was always there throughout the years. Mom loved the Holidays. She always took pride in decorating the house, still made a big deal buying us all presents to open on Christmas morning right up until this past Christmas. Mom was a very friendly person and had many friends. When mom made a friend, it usually was for life. She leaves a lifelong best friend, Susan Stephens (Geisler) in Arlington, Texas. (Formerly of Bristol and Newport, RI). She shared many exploits with Susan in their younger years, and some of the stories are hilarious. They have been friends for 70 years! Lastly, mom loved to reminisce. Mostly about the olden days and her grandparents house at the corner of Burton and Howe St., and of life in downtown Bristol during the 40s and 50s. She was a consummate storyteller, and in her own way, she was giving us history lessons. She had an incredible memory for details. She loved her 3 sisters and brother, and was close to them all of her life, and many of her stories included them. Mom also enjoyed a close and loving relationship with dads family throughout the years. We will miss our mom greatly, but thanks to mom, we all share a strong Faith and a belief that we will all meet again. Moms in heaven, welcomed with open arms by her beloved son and our dear brother Michael, who we lost in 1984. Mom, thanks for everything, and until we meet again, may you rest in peace. She is survived by her husband, Leonard A. Calandra; her sons; Leonard Calandra (Johan), Timothy P. Calandra (Brenda), Jonathan T. Calandra; her siblings; Amrie H. Alexandre, Arthur T. Tattrie, Geraldine T. Humphrey; and many relatives and friends, including 20 nieces and nephews and their families whom she loved dearly. She was pre-deceased by her son Michael A. Calandra; her parents Arthur and Helen, and her sister Sarah T. Caizzi. Visiting Hours will be held at Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol on Monday, August 19, 2024 from 4:00 7:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Marys Church, 330 Wood Street, at 10 AM on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. Burial will follow in St. Marys Cemetery, Chestnut Street, Bristol Services Cemetery St. Mary's Cemetery Chestnut Street Bristol, RI