Paula LeDonne, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Bologna, Italy, Paula came to America as an infant. She grew up in Boston’s West End and attended school in the North End. Years later, Paula met the love of her life, Arsenio “Sonny” LeDonne, through their mothers, who had been friends back in Italy. Paula and Sonny shared a beautiful marriage of 45 years.

Paula and Sonny loved to travel together and especially enjoyed visiting casinos. They made many memorable trips to Las Vegas and eventually to Encore. Sonny was always happy to take Paula wherever she wanted to go, creating countless special memories along the way.

Paula enjoyed arts and crafts, shopping, gambling, and spending time with family. She especially enjoyed day trips to New Hampshire, visiting her brother’s home and later Lisa and Tom’s home. She loved visiting the turkey farm and relaxing in the sunshine.

Paula had a special love for children. She operated a daycare in her home and truly enjoyed the time she spent caring for all the children. Later, she worked in housekeeping at Winchester Hospital alongside her daughter Linda, where they enjoyed spending time together and having lunch each day.

Family was at the heart of Paula’s life. She and Sonny were very involved in helping care for their grandchildren, Marisa and Nicholas, while their parents worked. She treasured the time spent with her children and grandchildren and the many memories they created together.

Paula was the beloved wife of Arsenio “Sonny” LeDonne; devoted mother of Linda Doherty and Lisa Perates; loving grandmother of Nicholas Perates and his fiancée Kalysha Rivera, and Olivia, Emily, and Joseph LeDonne. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

She was the daughter of the late Eleanor Cantelli and sister of Claudio Cantelli and his wife Mary, and Anthony and Betty Ann Cantelli. She was also the mother-in-law of Mark and Beverly LeDonne and Thomas Perates, and grandmother of the late Marisa Perates.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Regal Care for the kindness, patience, and support they provided to Paula. Their care brought comfort to Paula and her loved ones throughout her journey.

Paula will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew and loved her. Her warmth, love of family, and the memories she created with those closest to her will remain in their hearts forever.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026 from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster Street, Melrose. A Celebration of Paula's life will begin in the Gately Funeral Home at 11:30 AM. Interment will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Kingston, MA. Family & Friend's respectfully invited to attend.

In honor of Paula, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Diabetes Association.