Paula M. Wootten

Paula M. Wootten, 80, entered peacefully into Heaven on March 12th, 2022 at home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in The Bronx, NY on August 22nd, 1941 to John and Mary “Sis” Wootten and grew up in Hawthorne, NY. Paula moved to Florida in 1983 and was a long-time resident of Brandon and Lutz, FL.

She is survived by her children, Jonathan Reddy, Kathleen Ciccarello and Timothy Reddy; son-in-law, Daniel Ciccarello; siblings, John, Anne and Peter Wootten; and her grandchildren, Masyn, Ty, Raylee, Katherine, Molly and Bridget. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Mary Wootten and Stephen Wootten.

Paula spent many years as a school nurse with Hillsborough County Public Schools and as a hospice nurse in Hillsborough County. In her retirement, she continued to serve patients as a Nursing Home Ombudsman, protecting vulnerable residents and defending their basic rights.

Paula cherished her time with her children and grandchildren, never missing a sporting event, recital or concert. Always up for an adventure, she insisted on a spin around the lake on a Jet Ski for her 80th birthday. She loved to take long walks, particularly on the beach and always stayed long enough to enjoy a beautiful sunset. Her friends from the Deer Lake Road Bible study brought her great joy - as did jigsaw puzzles, cards, and her weekly Ma Jong game.

Our beautiful mother was strong, caring, courageous and completely dedicated to her loved ones. We are thankful to God for the blessing of having this special and amazing woman in our lives, who sacrificed so much for her family and friends. Her life will be remembered with much love and admiration. We will hold her in our hearts until we meet again.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 15th at Blount & Curry Terrace Oaks Funeral Home, 12690 N. 56th Street, Temple Terrace, FL between the hours of 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Wednesday, March 16th at Our Lady of the Rosary, 2348 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes, FL. There will be a Celebration of Life immediately following the funeral at Paula’s home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Chronic Pain Association in her name. https://www.theacpa.org/donate/