Paula Jean Vail

Paula passed away comfortably in her home on March 9, 2025 after her lengthy and brave second battle with breast cancer. She will be missed by her children and step children; Kelly Renee of Londonderry, Scott Zumwalt of Manchester, Lisa Zumwalt of Derry, Katharine and James Talarico of Fort Plain, NY, Jane Vail and Brett Lasalle of Whitesboro, NY and Daniel and Amber Vail of Washington, DC. Paula will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren Miranda, Robert, Natalie, Sabrina, Valerie, McKayla, Marissa, Samantha and Caryn. Memories of Paula will be shared with her great-grandchildren Tristan, Madilyn, Rowyn, Delaney, Savannah and Riley.

Paula is survived by her sisters Carol Salesky of Nashua, Tina and her husband Lenny Faulkner of Pepperell, Mass, Ruth and her husband Bob Brunelle of Pepperell, Mass and brother James Whalen of Florida, as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

Paula will be greeted at the The Rainbow Bridge by her late husband Donald E. Vail and the many animals they shared over the course of their 24 years of marriage. Paula was an avid animal lover that included many cats, dogs especially her sweet Chihuahua Bambi and birds, with Tiki and Peaches being her absolute favorites. Paula’s most endearing animal experience was with a baby raccoon that she and her late niece Stacy cared for when they lived together in Lawrence.

In addition to her husband Don, Paula is predeceased by her mother, Pauline Mendonza, niece Stacy Whalen, uncle Robert (Bob) St. Hilaire and sister in law Maureen (Moe) Whalen. 

Paula was a devout Christian and member of Boston Church of Christ. Boston Church of Christ held a special place in Paula’s heart. Many members of the Church shared special luncheons at Paula’s house and shared many Bible studies with her during the last few years of her life. The family expresses enormous gratitude to Annie Jeter, Kathy Johnson and Lisa Schnell for supporting Paula and helping her to remember the power of prayer and to hold on to her faith.

Paula held many jobs in her career and after her retirement from the Velcro USA company in Manchester, she spent her time, reading the Bible, listening to music, feeding the birds, squirrels, rabbits and groundhogs that visited her daily and crocheting bright colored hats. 

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 7, in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 S. Main, Haverhill from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers the family asks you to donate to HOPE Worldwide Massachusetts at www.hopeworldwidema.org. For guestbook, please visit www.driscollcares.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Paula Jean Vail, please visit our floral store.