Paula Therese McNee, age 63, passed away peacefully at her home in New Salem on April 1, 2026 surrounded by family and friends after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Paula was born in Holyoke on November 14, 1962, daughter of the late John McNee and Pauline (Salois).  She attended elementary school at Blessed Sacrament and graduated from Holyoke High School in 1980. Paula worked as a CNA at Franklin Medical Center for many years.  She enjoyed gardening, antiquing, and had a knack for interior design.

Paula leaves behind her son, Thomas Penza of Texas and his wife Miki, and their newborn son Marshall, and brother, Matthew "Murry" McNee of Holyoke. She will be missed by her partner of 16 years, Michael Kelley of New Salem; his son, Gavin Kelley of Troy, NY and his wife Emily, and their two daughters; and his daughter, Bridgette Colucci of Granville, NY and her husband Nick, and their two daughters. Paula also leaves behind her two lifelong friends, Kippy Hennessey Nicoll of Holyoke and Alice Hogan of Holyoke; aunt, Pauline Salois of Chicopee, and several cousins.  

A funeral service will be held for Paula on Sunday, April 12th at 2:00 pm in the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke. Calling hours will precede the service beginning at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CHD’s Cancer House of Hope in West Springfield, or to your local food bank.