Paula Brunelle Makepeace

Paula Brunelle Makepeace passed away peacefully on April 25, 2025, at her forever home in St. Augustine, Florida, holding the hand of her devoted husband of over 50 years, Edwin Albert Makepeace Jr.

Born in Lowell, MA, Paula was the cherished daughter of WWII Veteran Roland Brunelle and Joan Brunelle. She was predeceased by her parents as well as her sweet Melissa “Missy” Simpson. She is survived by her husband Ed and daughters Laura Ulmer and her husband Greg Ulmer of St. Augustine, FL, Meagan of Atlanta, GA, and her three beloved grandchildren Caleb, Hollis, and Grayson Ulmer who adoringly called her ‘Nana.’

Paula graduated from the Presentation of Mary Academy in Hudson, NH in 1969, studying Psychology at Lowell State College shortly after. She was a great student, but she and everyone around her knew her most important job title would be “Mom.” She was, without question, the best person for it.

Paula and Ed were married on September 14, 1974, beginning a marriage that spanned over five decades, three states, and many shared joys. Over the years, they found homes in Connecticut and New Hampshire, but it was on Florida’s coast where they finally settled. She loved her sunrise coffee with the chirping birds on the lanai and sunset beach walks with her family.

Paula and Ed were true partners through it all. He coached the girls’ sports when they were young while she was in the stands, cheering the loudest. They threw unforgettable “Tree Trimming” parties, entertained with warmth, and since settling in Florida would split a pizza every Friday night.

When at their Lake Winnipesaukee home, Paula kept busy making sure everyone was safe, full of food, and carefree the way life intended at the lake. Rainy days were full of creativity and puddle jumping thanks to her sunshine through the clouds and dance in the rain attitude.

She much deservedly earned the nickname “Princess,” which she wore with a big smile and a shade of lipstick as cheerful as her laugh… and even the occasional crown. Ed often ran baths for her so she could enjoy quiet moments of rest after the day’s end, just another gesture in their lifetime of caring for each other.

She also had a flair for fun: twirling a baton, belting songs with Ed at the piano, coloring alongside her daughters (even when they were grown), and competing fiercely in trivia games. She had a beautiful singing voice and a heart full of love. When it came to Boggle or Scrabble, she reigned supreme, earning her the nickname ‘the human dictionary’ among her family. Her invented words–like calling cribbage “cabbage”–were just another part of her charm.

She was hesitant to admit but would still chuckle at being referred to as a backseat driver–known to ask, “Where do we park?” no matter the occasion or the town. She certainly had a way of making even little moments memorable. On a visit to a New Hampshire farm, she pointed at a goat and said, “Look — it’s Tom Brady!” From then on, every goat had the name. Silly, specific, and pure Paula.

She absolutely loved dogs and babies. Her favorite things were usually simple and sensory: the smell of rain, the sound of trains, chirping birds, sunshine on her skin, a porch swing or rocking chair, and the color pink, earning her the nickname “Pinky” at a young age. She also could not resist a handful of Virginia peanuts or a slice of key lime pie.

Paula devotedly built a home that overflowed with love and the kind of warmth that made everyone feel welcome. Hers was the house with the door always open, a second home to many, and a place where you were greeted with open arms and a hand to hold.

Her love languages were all of them. She offered kind words and gave you a gentle touch, and her gift was that she always found a way to make you feel seen.

She had sweet nicknames for each of her daughters and was affectionately called “Mama Bear,” “Nana,” and “Mim” in return. Her daughters were the center of her world, and her grandsons lit it up. She loved them fiercely, completely, and without condition.

Above all, Paula had a hand for everything. Holding, helping, creating, comforting. She and Ed would joke about how they didn’t raise daughters, but grew them. She wiped tears, stirred favorite meals, loved the most, and reached instinctively for you when you needed.

Ed: “Thank you for picking me.”

Paula: “I didn’t pick you, I think we just were.”

She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A celebration of Paula’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 21st, 2025, at 9 AM at Saint Anastasia Catholic Church in St. Augustine (5205 A1A S, St. Augustine, FL 32080). Flowers may be sent to the church any time after 4 PM on Tuesday, May 20th.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to any animal rescue close to your heart, her personal favorite was SAFE in St. Augustine (www.safe-pet-rescue-fl.com/donate). This is a cause she held dear throughout her life.