Paula Place McAuliffe passed away unexpectedly on December 24, 2023 from injuries suffered when she was struck by a car in South Portland, Maine.  Paula and son Patrick were walking home after attending a Christmas Eve mass at Holy Cross Church where they had received communion.

Paula was born October 6, 1952 To Edward and Viola Place in Portland, ME and raised in Portland and Yarmouth, Maine.

Paula graduated from Yarmouth High School in 1970 and the University of Maine, Gorham with a BA degree in education in 1974. Upon graduation she began her career at WGME.  She worked in the production and news studio at the station.  Paula was very knowledgeable in her field and enjoyed working with all staff members. She was always willing to share her knowledge with everyone she came in contact with.  Paula retired in 2017 and remained friends with many of her colleagues.

Paula married John McAuliffe on April 28, 1984. They have been married for over forty years. They welcomed their son Patrick McAuliffe on October 12, 1986. Her primary focus was her family. They loved to travel. They enjoyed meeting new people and exchanging stories. Their adventures took them to the British Isles, Canada and travels across the country.  They were enthralled by architecture.  They visited old monuments and churches wherever they were. They also loved the ocean and sailing, kayaking and camping. She loved taking her son Patrick on trips to Boston and making happy memories for him. She spent many happy hours with friend Jennifer on her sail boat or just sitting on the deck at the yacht club.  She loved kayaking and having new adventures with friends Karen and Irene.

Paula was an inspiration to all she came in contact with.  She was a renaissance woman. She loved landscaping and working in her gardens. Everything had to be perfect. She was the happiest with a hammer in her hand and a project to do. She built her own fences, sheds and portico in her yard.   Home repair was her specialty.   She was willing to help anyone who needed it. They need not ask.  She just volunteered. She loved her motorcycle and was an able mechanic. There was nothing she couldn't accomplish.

Paula was a kind wonderful soul who performed an act of kindness to friends or strangers every day of her life. To honor her passing, let her be our example and pass this forward.

Paula was a devout Catholic and attended masses and attended services at local Churches.

Paula was predeceased by her father Edward Place, her mother Viola Place, her maternal grandparents Annie and Harry McGann and paternal grandparents Lena  and Lawrence Clark.

She is survived by her husband Deacon John McAuliffe, her beloved  son Patrick McAuliffe, her sister Sharon Wescott and husband George, her sister in laws Kathleen Noonan and husband Tim and Patricia McAuliffe, brother in laws Kevin McAuliffe and wife Sandra and Brian McAuliffe and partner Joe Sheehan.  She is also survived by many nieces and  nephews.

A wake will be held at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland on Thursday, January 4 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM.  Funeral Services will be held Friday, January 5, 2024 at 11 a.m., at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Avenue, Portland, ME.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to :
South Portland Food Cupboard
130 Thadeus Street
S Portland, ME  04106