Paula B. Fairfield, 84, a longtime resident of Southborough and most recently, Marlborough, passed away on Friday, May 5, 2023, after a period of declining health. She was the devoted wife of 56 years to the late Richard L. Fairfield, Sr. who passed in 2014.
Born in Cambridge and raised in Brighton, Paula was one of six children to Robert and Margaret (O’Toole) Beck, Sr. and was a graduate of St. Columbkille H.S. During her early adult years Paula devoted herself to raising her young family. She then began her studies at Framingham State College where she earned her B.A. in Home Economics. Paula was employed over 20 years for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, ten years of which she served as the N.E. Regional Director of Consumer Affairs.
After Richard’s passing Paula relocated to Marlborough to reside with her son’s family. She loved her family and enjoyed being an active part of her grandchildren’s lives. She enjoyed reading a good mystery novel, quilting and spending time in the kitchen. She found comfort in the fellowship formed while attending Faith Community Church’s Bible study and was a longtime parishioner of St. Matthew Parish of Southborough.
Surviving Paula is her son, Richard L. Fairfield, Jr. and his wife Terri of Marlborough; her grandchildren, Cory and his wife Katie, and Craig and his fiancé Heather Duvall; two brothers David Beck and his wife Amy and Robert Beck and his wife Bernadette; several nieces and nephews. Her family will forever cherish her firm love, strong independent personality and true Irish stubbornness. Paula was preceded in death by her great-granddaughter Charlie as well as three brothers, Lawrence, Kevin and Paul Beck.
A calling hour will be held from 9 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, May 16, at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Matthew Church, 26 Highland St, Southborough. Interment will take place in Rural Cemetery, Central Street, Southborough.
To honor Paula’s love of dogs, her family requests donations be directed to Buddy Dog Humane Society, 151 Boston Post Rd, Sudbury, MA 01776 (www.buddydoghs.org). To leave a condolence online please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.
(Photo and Obituary via Hays Funeral Home)
