Paula R. Mathieu

PAXTON-Paula (Rubenstein) Mathieu, formerly, Paula Aijala, 83, passed on Monday, September 12 in UMASS Medical Center.

Her husband of 18 years, Paul A. Mathieu passed away in 2003. She leaves four children, Karen M. Aijala of Worcester, Eric J.  and his wife, Lisa S. Aijala of California, Michael K.  and his wife, Lisa K. Aijala of Pennsylvania, and Kristen R. Aijala and her fiancé, Anthony L. Gagliastre of Worcester; two stepchildren; ten grandchildren, Dana, Benjamin, Samuel, Deon, Ava, Brooke, Sarah, Joshua, Adriana and B.J.; a sister, Joan Flanagan of Florida; five nephews and a niece. A stepdaughter, Kristine Mathieu predeceased her. She was born in Southbridge, daughter of Vincent J. and Rosalie L. (McGrath) Rubenstein and graduated from the former Mary E. Wells School High, Southbridge, and Jackson College of Tuft’s University.

Paula was a longtime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Holden. She served on the Paxton School Committee, the Paxton Board of Registrar of Voters and was a member of the Paxton Women’s Club. Her greatest joy in life was being a mother and grandmother and assisting in the raising of her step-grandchildren and opening her home to all her children’s friends.

Visiting Hours are Friday, September 16 from 1 to 3pm with a Prayer Service at 3pm at Fay Brothers Life Celebration Home, 1 West Boylston St., West Boylston. Burial will be private in St. Mary's Cemetery, Southbridge. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 346 Shrewsbury St., Holden, 01520.