Service Details
A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 1st, 2022 at St. Lucy’s Catholic Church (3101 Drexel Ave, Racine, WI 53403) at Noon, with visitation preceding the event starting at 10:00 am.
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On Friday, June 24, 2022, sadly on her 46th Wedding Anniversary, our dear Paula Porcaro, loving wife and mother of 2 daughters, passed away at the age of 69. Paula was born February 3, 1953 in Racine, WI to Richard M. and Josephine Carpenter. She was a graduate of St. Catherine’s High School in 1971, then attended St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Ind. where she studied sociology and graduated valedictorian of her class. Following school, she worked as a grief counselor at Mercy Hospital in the Quad Cities, Iowa. We could use her comforting words now.
Paula and her beloved husband, Ralph Porcaro raised two daughters, Marissa and Mallory. She was the proud grandmother of 2 children born to Marissa and was so anxious to hold Mallory’s expected child in September. Nothing gave Paula greater joy than to hold her grandchildren and spend time with her family.
For many years Paula managed her husband’s chiropractic business in Racine, and was the welcoming voice when you called or walked in the door. In recent times, Paula embraced her faith studies, reading books and traveling with her girlfriends. She loved the Christmas season, pet sitting for family and friends and going out for breakfast. Her secret indulgence was binge watching reality TV. She was always the first to arrive at a gathering to help, and always the last to leave as she worked the clean-up.
Paula is survived by her husband, Ralph, her 2 daughters, Marissa (Kelly Richards) and Mallory, grandchildren Cassidy and Jaxson, her 95 year old parents, Dick and Jo Carpenter, her sisters Cathy (Mike Flood), Judy (Tony Weber), Terri and Laura (Bob Black), and her brothers Jeff (Kathy) and John (Terie).
A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 1st, 2022 at St. Lucy’s Catholic Church (3101 Drexel Ave, Racine, WI 53403) at Noon, with visitation preceding the event starting at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Lucy’s Church.
Paula was a kind, sweet and gentle soul who graced our family for too short of time… her warm memories will forever remain etched in our hearts. In spite of her overwhelming health challenges, she was at peace with it all, had an opportunity to say good-bye to her family and slipped away as gracefully as she lived her life. Her legacy will be to hug loved ones as freely and often as she did.
Cherri Chambliss says
To the Porcaro family ~ sending you my sincere condolences & prayers during this difficult time.
Fred Pryor & Family says
Ralph, Marissa, Mallory & Family,
We’re so sorry for your loss…Paula will be terribly missed by all who knew her as she was truly a ray of sunshine. I met her in 1967 at St. Cat’s our freshman year and was immediately struck by her kind nature. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. All of you will be in our thoughts.
Love you all!
Fred Pryor & Family
Bedford, Texas
Jim wimpress says
May God bless the family in this time of need. Paula was a calm, kind wonderful person always projecting love and positivity.
I am sure in heaven she will continue to watch over her family and friends as she did on earth.
Charles and Glorious Hicks says
Dear Porcaro Family: We send our sincere condolences to each of you. Paula was a precious gem~~in every meaning of the statement. We know that she will be sincerely missed. Remember all of the good times.
Charles and Glorious Hicks says
Dear Porcaro Family: We send our sincere condolences to each of you. Paula was a precious gem~~in every meaning of the statement. We know that she will be sincerely missed. Remember all of the good times.
John Tierney says
I was so sad to hear of your mothers passing. She was such a kind and generous person. It breaks my heart knowing that I can’t be there during this most difficult time. I enjoyed our frequent visits at church and know in my heart that she is at home in heaven.
Lori (Hennessy) Lehnert says
Marissa (& family), I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. She was always so kind and loving and so proud of you! I am sending all my love and strength to you. I know this loss is immense, but always know you are loved and supported by so many!
Chuck Daceno Jr. says
Ralph, Marissa, Mallory, and family, our hearts and prayers are with you in this time of sadness. Chiki & Chuck, & Alycia
Mary (Gauchel) Harter says
Dear Ralph, Marissa, and Mallory,
Paula was such a wonderful, warm, intelligent person with a quick, cute sense of humor – she was beautiful inside and out and we all loved her for it. I have so many fond family memories from childhood which time will never diminish. We are so sorry for your loss and will pray for peace and healing.
Jay Butler says
Ralph and family, you have my deepest sympathy regarding Paulas’ passing. I will be thinking of you during this difficult time. Sincerely, Jay Butler.
Rand Mikulecky, St. Catherine's classmate says
May the memories of Paula live on for all of us for the rest of our days. She was always a person I looked forward to chatting with at St. Cat’s because she was witty and sensitive with a great sense of humor. I am so sorry for the loss Paula’s family and many friends must be feeling during this time. I hope we can all find comfort in remembering the good times we spent together.
Rich and Karen (Postorino) Sherman says
Our deepest condolences and sympathy to Ralph, Marissa, Mallory and to the Carpenters and Porcaros on the loss of dear friend Paula. We will always remember our times at Notre Dame and St. Mary’s as the best of times among great friends. No matter who we have spoken to the response always begins with “She was the sweetest, kindest person.” She indeed was and will always be in our thoughts and prayers. May Our Lady bless her and keep her.
Nancy (Heinkel) Thomsen says
On behalf of the Heinkel family, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the Porcaro and Carpenter families. Paula was a ray of sunshine even in her early years on Sheraton Dr. Our prayers are with you all.
Albert Totero says
Ralph and family, my deepest sympathy for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
L Hill says
To the Porcaro family
I’m very sad and sorry to hear of Paula’s passing. She was a kind, caring, strong, genuine, amazing and unique person whom I personally admired enormously. Paula will be dearly missed by all who were touched by her graceful loving nature.
Jesus said, “I am among you as he that serveth” (Luke 22:27)
Diane Lloyd says
Ralph and family, I am so sorry for your loss.
Sally Sorenson says
Paula truly was a one-of-a-kind gentle soul. Ralph, I am so sorry for your loss.