Paula Gael (Hardiman) Grimes

Paula Gael (Hardiman) Grimes, of Braintree, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the home of her son, Brian, in Winchendon, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 90 years old.

Born in Boston on September 19, 1935, Paula was the cherished daughter of the late George and Mary (Capuano) Hardiman. She was raised in Roxbury and Jamaica Plain, attended Boston public schools, and graduated from Cardinal Cushing Central High School for Girls in South Boston. As one of thirteen children, Paula treasured the close-knit family she grew up in and remained deeply connected to her siblings throughout her life.

On November 18, 1967, Paula married the love of her life, James Lawrence Grimes. Together they built a home filled with faith, love, and unwavering devotion to one another and to their family. For Paula, nothing was more important than the people she loved. Whether gathered around the dinner table, celebrating holidays, or simply spending quiet time together, she found her greatest joy in being surrounded by family.

From an early age, Paula's life was guided by her Catholic faith. Her relationship with God remained the cornerstone of her life, shaping her compassion, generosity, and quiet strength. She faithfully attended daily Mass, prayed the Rosary each day, and found great comfort in the beauty of sacred hymns. Earlier in life, she answered a call to religious life by serving five years with the Poor Clares Monastery. She later shared her faith with countless children as the Religious Education Coordinator at Saint Francis of Assisi Church in Braintree, where she lovingly taught them about God's enduring love.

Paula possessed a lifelong love of learning and reading, especially enjoying the mystery novels of Agatha Christie, whose intricate stories and memorable characters delighted her for decades. She also expressed her creativity through art and later found great joy in knitting blankets for newborn babies, creating treasured keepsakes for growing families.

She found beauty in life's simple gifts—the color blue, cheerful daisies, fragrant tea roses, and peaceful moments shared with those she loved. Her gentle spirit, quiet kindness, and steadfast faith left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Paula's legacy is one of humble service, enduring faith, and unconditional love. She lived not through grand accomplishments but through daily acts of kindness, countless prayers, and unwavering devotion to her family and to God. Her example will continue to inspire all whose lives she touched.

Paula was the beloved wife of James Lawrence Grimes, with whom she shared 59 wonderful years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of Pamela Florek and her husband, Vincent, of Westford; Albert Grimes and his wife, Dr. Jennifer Grillo, of Andover; and Brian Grimes and his wife, Renee, of Winchendon, whose loving care and devotion during Paula's final months brought great comfort to her and the entire family.

She was the cherished grandmother of Destiny-Eve Grimes of Winchendon, Vincent Florek of Westford, Ella Grimes of Andover, and Liam Grimes of Andover.

Paula was the dear sister of Kathleen McLaughlin of Newton, Mary Meredith of West Roxbury, David Hardiman of Weymouth, Brenda O'Reilly of Walpole, Eugene "Chris" Hardiman of Illinois, and Paul Hardiman of Illinois. She was predeceased by her siblings Albert Hardiman, John "Jack" Hardiman, George "Bud" Hardiman, Walter "Butch" Hardiman, Gerard Hardiman, and Virginia "Ginny" Hardiman.

She is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and all who were blessed to know her.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 from 4-7 PM in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home NORTH WEYMOUTH at 40 Sea Street (off Route 3A - Bicknell Square). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Clare’s Church, Braintree at 10 AM on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

Interment will follow at Braintree Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Paula's memory may be made to the charitable organization of one's choice.