Paula Maxine Naczas

Paula Maxine Naczas, 91, of Manchester, passed away August 22, 2025, after a period of declining health, surrounded by those she loved. Born July 1, 1934 in Manchester, beloved daughter of Paula (Nadeau) and Lawrence Osborne, Paula’s early life was spent among the French-Canadian community of the westside of Manchester. After graduating from Central High in 1952, Paula continued her education at the University of New Hampshire. After graduating in 1956 she taught second grade in Lancaster, NH, until a childhood friend introduced her to Chester with whom she spent the next 59 years, raising their family and making enduring friendships. She always made time for a friend, a colleague, and most importantly her family whether to simply lend an ear or provide common sense counsel.

When her children were nearly grown, Paula returned to the classroom, eventually becoming the Library Specialist at two Manchester middle schools until her retirement in 1999. She quickly found her next home with the Manchester Historical Society and until just a few years ago could be seen at the front desk of the Millyard Museum introducing new visitors to the treasures that lie within.

As an Educator, she loved children, and her greatest joy was becoming “Grum” to 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren with whom she continued to teach the importance of living life full of joy, love, fun, hugs, reading, and ice cream.

Paula was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Chester M. Naczas. She leaves behind her children, Catherine Filiano and her husband James, Michael C. Naczas and his wife Catherine, and Carolyn Naczas and her husband James Siener; grandchildren, Mary (Naczas) Seigle and her husband Casey, Emily Filiano and her husband Ben Arpin, Daniel Naczas and his partner Lily-Gre Hitchen, Dominic Filiano, Molly Siener, and great grandchildren, Maxine and McKenna Seigle. She also leaves behind her loving sister Mary Osborne, sister-in-law Frances (Naczas) Gorcyca and her husband Edward.

Calling hours at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St, will be Wednesday from 4 to 7 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 11 am in St. Peter Church, Auburn. Burial will be in the NH Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen.

Donations may be made in her memory to support the Manchester Millyard Museum at https://checkout.square.site/merchant/8WMFNF18FPV06/checkout/XC6MI5XYADRQAVOVXCW2MFG7