Paula M. (Landry) Ptak

Warrior, Paula Marie (Landry) Ptak, a symbol of love, strength and courage, entered her Paradise and passed away on November 28, 2024, at UMASS Memorial/Leominster Hospital, literally surrounded by over two dozen of her Ptak Army family and loved ones, after a difficult, over four-year battle with Stage 4 ALK+ Lung Cancer. Born on January 5, 1988, in Burbank Hospital, Fitchburg, Massachusetts, Paula's journey as a lifelong Leominster resident was one of joy, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her family and community.

From her earliest days, Paula's infectious mischief, laughter and boundless kindness shaped the world around her. She was most definitely a force to be reckoned with. She was definitely one of a kind. She was the daughter of Cindy-Lu (Zanetti) Landry and Paul Landry (Lori DiManno). Her dad, Paul, was her best friend, fix-it man, her go to for her adventurous projects, and unwavering supporter. They gabbed on the phone every day, several times a day. She also leaves her grandmother, Margaret Stepton, who she would lovingly refer to as “her Memere” and one of her favorite people.

Paula found her soulmate in Jason Ptak Sr.. He was the love of her life, partner, her entire world, and best friend. Jason walked beside her through every challenge and triumph, never ever leaving her side until her very last breath, and with whom she built a family that became her sun, moon, stars and everything in between. A more beautiful family you were hard pressed to find. You never saw Paula without Jason, and vice versa. They were a team and partners to the end always. In Jason’s own words, he was a better man because of Paula, and she was the best thing to ever happen to him. Their relationship was beyond unique, special and a testament of real love. It was real, and relatable, but they never ever gave up on one another, no matter how impossible the circumstances they were dealt. They adored one another as if they were married only recently instead of the last fifteen years. He affectionately always called Paula; “Baby and Babe” as if they were newlyweds. Their marriage was one defined by the vows in which they spoke and demonstrated throughout their love story of overwhelming happiness and adventures woven through their real-life challenges. Jason never wavered in love and sacrifice and was the definition of doing everything he could selflessly to get his True North to the finish line of recovery and hopeful remission.

Her children, Kemri Laurie-Ann and Jason Paul Jr., affectionately known as Kem and "Beej," were the center of her world, her greatest accomplishments, and her endless source of pride. She was their greatest champion. She stopped at nothing to go out of her way for both of them, and did anything she could to better their lives, experiences, and memories. Again, in Kem and Beej’s honest words spoken to Paula, she was the best mom in the world. Their lives will never be the same, but may her teachings and life’s cruelty which they learned too young in their lives inspire them always to rise up and endure always, as their mom did.

Paula's love extended to her entire family, including her mother-in-law, Laurie Crawford (Michael), also known as, Banana, who was like a second mum to her, NEVER a mother-in-law, and would often argue back and forth who was luckier to have the other always ending with themselves saying they were the luckiest. Laurie always offered an additional wellspring of love, faith, and infinite support, and her father-in-law, Scott Ptak. Her brother and Irish twin, Jeffrey Landry (Ashley), was not only her sibling but also her twin flame. If the love, admiration, support and endless work to organize an enormously successful benefit could be channeled which Ashley tirelessly always showed for Paula, she would have been restored to the best of health immediately; her brother Raymond Brooks (Janice) and her in-laws; Heather Dupuis, Kayla Ptak, Luke Ptak (Sarah), and Andrew Serpa, whom she shared a most special bond with and was more like a brother than a brother-in-law. Paula's life was further enriched by the laughter and love of her many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as her furry babies, Hank, Charlie, and Chuck, who never left her side and comforted her through everything.

Paula also leaves her lifelong best friend, and partner in crime, Amelie Bail (Thomas Davis), and soul sister, Jayme Zamarro-Gangi (Rob). There are literally dozens more to be mentioned and we would be remiss in mentioning all who looked up to her and loved having a seat beside her no matter the rink or setting. Paula was very important to so many people. She was a force and a savage beauty that will NEVER be forgotten, but will rather stories will be shared of her while laughing through our tears.

Paula's academic journey began at Leominster High School, from which she graduated before attending the University of Rhode Island, where she studied Speech Language Pathology. Her career as a head Paralegal at David R. Rocheford Law Office in Leominster was marked by her dedication and the profound impact she had on those she worked with. She shared both her struggles and triumphs with them. This was more than her job, this was her chosen family as well. They thought the world of Paula, and in turn, always ensured she was generously taken care even beyond her professional relationship with them through her forced “retirement” due to her health.

Beyond her professional life, Paula always stood out. She was magnanimous and you couldn’t help but love her and gravitate toward her sense of humor, compassion, zest for life, and character. She was her own person; a natural leader with a feisty spirit and an unyielding loyalty to her people. If she ruffled feathers, or made someone twist a little in the wind, so be it, and no doubt, Paula, gave a little rascally smile internally in doing so. It wasn’t that she didn’t love you, but rather, she always stayed true to her convictions, and wanted you to know it. No one had the capacity to challenge you like our Paula. She fought hard in every aspect of her life, but she loved harder and was so very lovable.

She accepted her fate with dignity, on the chin, always remaining a force of reality, never in denial, and grounded-ness. Through her arduous cancer journey, she defined dignity and grace…and persevered…no matter what…until she made sure that it was ok with her family for her to let go, go to Heaven and be with her God. She was unafraid and stood tall excited and at peace for her impending arrival into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Paula was a person of infinite talents, passions, and things that meant the world to her. Paula lived for making memories with her family and friends, welcoming them into her home always having an open door by the backyard fire pit, deck, homemade hockey rink, or pool with open arms and a heart full of love. She had the most creative crafting skills which surpassed professional standards which she inherited from her mother Cindy. Countless people and organizations, coaches, nursing homes, etc., have been blessed with her homemade generosity and gifts, especially through her cri-cutting, thanks to Laurie. She loved to crochet and was working on blankets for her kids up until she was unable. She loved to create savory, comforting homemade meals as well. Paula found solace in the call of the hawk, her spirit animal, and had a fondness for the simple pleasures in life, like sipping tea, indulging in a soothing bath, ice cream, and her Burt's Beeswax lip balm was always within reach.

Her faith in the Lord was a cornerstone of her existence, guiding her through her life's trials with grace, strength, and faith that everything would be fine. She faced life with all of its challenges and tribulations head on, and her faith made her unafraid no matter what was to come by often praying with her second mum, Laurie, when she was sick or in pain. Paula's passion for worship music often found her in the car with its volume on high, singing along loudly as her source of inspiration and hope. She was a proud Christian, and a member of the Royalston Congregational church.

Her enthusiasm for life was evident in the way she supported Kem and Beej’s sports. Ice Hockey, Field Hockey, and Dek Hockey games were arenas where Paula's spirit shone brightest. She traveled hundreds of miles, all year round, in order to cheer on her kids (loudly), at practices, games and tournaments, and her energy and presence a constant source of inspiration, encouragement, no matter how she felt.

Paula's legacy is one of unwavering love and kindness. She demonstrated extraordinary courage, facing her illness with a bravery that inspired everyone around her. She was looked up to by countless people. She taught us about life and to appreciate everything and everyone. She prayed for the gift of time. Her life was a lesson in resilience, a reminder that every moment is precious, time is a thief, and that the bonds of family and friendship are the most powerful forces we have.

As we remember Paula, we celebrate a life lived with purpose and joy. Her spirit will continue to guide us, her memory a cherished companion on our own journeys. Paula Marie (Landry) Ptak was more than a name; she was a light that will continue to shine in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Let us carry forward her legacy by embracing each day with the same love, courage, and kindness that Paula embodied. In doing so, we honor her memory and ensure that her remarkable spirit lives on. Paula's life was a testament to the power of positivity, and her story will continue to motivate and uplift us all. She always showed up for everyone and everything, carried on, and you could never ever count her out.

The world is a little less bright without Paula's radiant spirit, and internal and external beauty. But, her loved ones take comfort in knowing that her love will continue to blossom in the lives she touched especially in Jason, Kemri and Jason Jr. Her courage in the face of adversity, her boundless love for her family, and her infectious kindness will be profoundly missed but never forgotten.

As infinite people know, one of Paula’s most striking features were her blue eyes. Through her passing, Paula has perpetuated her selfless nature by providing the most priceless gift of all….organ donation. Her gift and soul will keep on giving. Her eyes, specifically her corneas, will live on eternally through Donate Life. Paula would be infinitely proud knowing that she has provided this invaluable offering of eyesight to a complete stranger. One day in the near future, Paula will be immortalized and looking back at the world again through one lucky soul.

Let us remember Paula not with sorrow but with inspiration. She taught us that life is a precious gift to be cherished and that every moment is an opportunity to create something beautiful and a memory to be made. Her love for her family, her unwavering faith, and her ability to find joy in the midst of adversity are lessons that will continue to resonate with all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A special thanks to many of Paula’s world renowned and compassionate caregivers at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, especially Dr. Justin Gainor, Dr. Henning Willers, Nurse Practitioners Elizabeth Krueger and Sara Stevens, “Lieutenant Dan,” and special, endearing, “old” family friend, Nurse George Lillie. There are literally hundreds more that made a difference in Paula’s life, and for that, please know you’re an angel on earth, and we are sorry we could not mention you all. You know who you are, as did Paula.

Unfathomable generosity has been demonstrated through the most altruistic of souls…some who never even met Paula, but her story and aura resonated and touched people to their core. Infinite gratitude to the organizations of the Worcester Jr. Railers, Fitchburg Street Hockey, Leominster Dek Hockey, Monoosnock Country Club, Mayor Dean Mazzarella and the entire City of Leominster, Boston Ice Dogs, Providence Capitals Paula, you most definitely fought on, fighter, and WE love YOU the “mostest.”

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society or the family’s GOFUNDME page: https://gofund.me/d9c965a3

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, December 7 from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. with a service in the Richardson Funeral home to follow at 1:00 P.M. 

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