Paula J. Rocha

Paula Jean Rocha, formerly of Attleboro, loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, neighbor and dear friend, passed on Monday, June 27, 2022 at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence, RI after a year-long battle with cancer.

Born in Attleboro on February 9, 1948, she was a daughter of the late Dorothy and Roger Racicot. Paula was a graduate of Attleboro High School, Class of 1966.

Paula spent many years creating a nurturing environment for her family dedicating her time to their wellbeing. She then went on to work at Coogan-Smith as a legal secretary for 17 years until retirement. Paula was an active and giving member of St. John’s Church in Attleboro.

Her list of talents were many and all benefited from her innate ability to infuse love in all that she designed. She created colorful overflowing-with-beauty flower and vegetable gardens in her yard and was an avid supporter of the local garden club, she was always graciously sharing pretty floral snippets and her beautiful produce with others.

She was also known for her amazing ability to prepare the perfect comfort food items for every season, birthday cakes on demand, popcorn balls at Halloween (always a neighborhood favorite), Turkey Soup at Thanksgiving, Coffee Cakes at Christmas, brownies and cookies, oh the cookies, just because her grandchildren wanted them.

What made her happiest was attending PPAC shows with her daughter, going out to dinner with friends, cheering on her grandchildren at their various sports, solving a jigsaw puzzle, clipping an advice article to share with others, playing a round or two of tennis, and/or at the local Y enjoying water aerobics. She was also an avid reader, never too far from a great book. But most of all, she was the family’s north star. Her light, love and unmatchable high energy emanated brightly from within as she guided them through life’s ups and downs. To say that she will be missed would be a vast understatement.

Paula is survived by her husband James Rocha Jr. of Attleboro, her two children; daughter Aimee Rocha of North Attleboro, son Jeffrey Rocha and his wife Heather Rocha of Salem, New Hampshire and three grandchildren; Blake, Carson, and Hadley Rocha.

She was the beloved sister of Cynthia Rocha, wife of Louis and the late Diane Filipek, wife of Dave.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Duffy-Poule Funeral Home, 20 Peck Street, Attleboro where the Rocha family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 from 12:00-2:30 p.m. with a short service commencing at 2:30 p.m. Paula will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at St. John’s Cemetery the following day.

In lieu of flowers and for those wishing to remember Paula in a special way, contributions in her memory may be made to: Attleboro/Norton YMCA Senior Meals Program, 63 North Main Street, Attleboro, MA 02703.