Paula Guarino Stephan, 91, passed away peacefully at her home on January 31, 2019. She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., the daughter of the late Anna and Charles Guarino.

She is survived by her daughter, Claudia Stephan Braden (George) of Bethel; her son, John Stephan of Ninety-Six, S.C.; two grandchildren, Patrick and Francesca Braden; her sister, Florence Gambino of Milford; a niece, Claire Casey; and two nephews, Alan Gambino and William Gambino, and their respective families.

She was a graduate of Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, N.Y., and New York University. She earned her Masters Degree in Education from The University of Maryland and taught elementary school in Montgomery County, Md., for 29 years.

After retiring to Newtown, she became involved in the community, serving on the library board, the Democratic Town Committee, the Garden Club, and the Newtown Woman’s Club. She also served as lector at St Rose of Lima parish.

Calling hours are Monday, February 4, 2019, from 5 to 8 pm at Honan Funeral Home on Main Street, Newtown. Friends may go directly to St Mary Church in Bethel for a Mass of Christian Burial, celebrated by Reverend Monsignor Robert Weiss on Tuesday, February 5, at 10 am.

Paula has requested that due to her love of animals, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Canine Advocates of Newtown, PO Box 236, Newtown CT 06470.

The family wishes to thank Visiting Angels, especially Yvonne Walker and Jill Michelson, for their loving care.