Catherine Ann "Kay" Paparella

Catherine A. Paparella, 91, a lifetime resident of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 21, 2024, while surrounded by her family. She was the beloved matriarch of the Paparella family and was known as “Kay” by all who knew and loved her.

She was born in Worcester on July 24, 1933, and was the daughter of the late Salvatore Paparella and Congetta (Romano) Paparella. Kay was the first-born child and had one brother, the late Joseph F. Paparella. The daughter of Italian immigrants, she grew up on Gage Street surround by a large extended Italian family, including the DePasquale, Maruca, and Romano families. Kay excelled in school and had a strong interest in chemistry. She spoke German and Italian fluently and was a skilled artist with a talent for creating life-like drawings. Kay studied piano from an early age and enjoyed playing for her family throughout her life. Kay also had a lifelong passion for Italian opera and classical music.

Kay graduated from high school and entered the Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. Upon graduating she began her lifelong career at the Memorial Hospital in 1954. She spent several years as an operating room nurse. Kay continued her pursuit of knowledge graduating from Clark University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She took a position as the Science and Nursing Instructor at the Memorial School of Nursing where she taught for eleven years. Kay advanced to the role of Vice President of Nursing. For the next 21 years she managed the nursing staff as the hospital grew in size and complexity. In 1993, Kay retired from the Memorial Hospital and remained a licensed registered nurse for the rest of her life. 

Kay loved to travel. She drove coast to coast and throughout the United States. She travelled to Alaska, Hawaii, Bermuda, Cuba, Portugal, England, Germany, Italy, among many other destinations. Kay spent the summer months at her vacation home on Cape Cod. She loved the warm ocean waters, boating, and relaxing with her family. However, she was most content at her home at Palisades Street in Worcester. As a young woman, she helped her father build the home by hand and resided here for more than 70 years.

Kay is survived by her sister-in-law Edith Paparella of Mashpee, MA, nephews Stephen Paparella and his wife Patricia of Georgetown, MA, David Paparella of Mashpee, MA, niece Ann Paparella of Mashpee, MA, great nephew John Paparella of Allston, MA, and great nieces Claire Punte of Mashpee, MA, Leanne Paparella and her husband Ashlyn Calcagni and their children Jaxyn, Lillyanna, Skylor, and Dylan of Merrimac, MA.  Kay was predeceased by Lisa Birrittieri the late wife of David Paparella, and by her cousin Judy Dennis of Worcester, MA, whom she considered her sister.

A period of visitation will be held Monday, December 30, 2024, from 10:30 am to 12 noon, followed by a prayer service in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Burial will follow in St John Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in her name can be made to the Clark University Alumni Association, 950 Main St, Worcester, MA 01610