Paula R. (Valicenti) Bruneau

Mrs. Paula R. (Valicenti) Bruneau, of Weymouth, passed away in her home surrounded by her loving family on December 4th, 2023. She was 80.

Paula, the daughter of the late Paul and Carmela (DiLillo) Valicenti, was raised in Weymouth and attended Archbishop Williams High School. She graduated from Boston University and received her Masters Degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Paula was a career educator, first in Weymouth and then at Thayer Academy where she taught middle school for more than twenty years and chaired the English department. At Thayer, she advised the literary magazine, cultivated her students’ ability to appreciate and analyze classic and contemporary works, and fostered writing skills while remaining a stickler for grammar rules. Inspired by her love of history and desire to explore, she organized European excursions for Thayer students and families, which continued after her retirement in 2009.

Paula was devoted to her family and friends. She nurtured friendships through travel, book club, yoga, and mah jongg. She loved to invite her community to gather in her home on Whitman’s Pond, where her holiday decor was legendary and there was always an extra plate of lasagna for anyone who needed a place to celebrate. Her greatest joys were Christmas and her grandchildren, who will dearly miss their Mimi’s hugs.

Beloved wife of the late Paul F. Bruneau.

Loving mother of Paulette M. Brooks of Tyngsboro, Anthony P. Bruneau and his wife, Amanda, of Barrington, R.I, and Valerie B. Stone and her husband, Matthew, of Arlington. Cherished grandmother of Carolyn, Amelie, Angelo, Noah, and Anna. Aunt of Stephen Bennett of Rochester, N.Y.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday May 11th, at 1 PM at Thayer Academy Middle School in Braintree.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.