Paula Arsenault Hartley, 68, of Bristol, RI passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully at her residence on September 10, 2026. She was the beloved wife of John Peter Hartley to whom she was married on September 12, 1992.

Paula was a 1976 graduate of the former Bristol High School. She was employed by a patent attorney in Providence, RI for many years and returned to further her education at the Community College of Rhode Island and earned an associate's degree in accounting at the age of 57. She then worked for many years at Orefice & Cairi in East Providence, RI.

She treasured the time spent at the family beach cottage at Roy Carpenters Beach in Matunuck where they created many cherished memories with family and friends. Paula loved to travel, read and her beloved crossword puzzles.

In addition to her husband of 34 years, she leaves two children: J. Tyler Hartley and his wife, Katherine Hartley, of East Greenwich, Rhode Island and Eliza Hope Romanasyian and her husband, Eric Romanasyian, of Pine Bush, New York; her grandchildren: Maeve Hartley and Louis and Greta Romanasyian; a brother, a sister, several nieces and nephews, extended family members and her dearest longtime friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend a gathering celebrating her life and honoring her memory on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm at the Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, RI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to your local animal shelter or rescue league of one's choice.

For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.sansonefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, RI 02809. (401) 253-7110