Born on July 29, 1929 to the late Ernesto Giovanni and Teresa Louise (Columbo) Garavaglia, in Detroit, Michigan, she was raised in Detroit's "Little Italy" with deep traditions of strong coffee, strong opinions, and ever stronger women while carrying those roots throughout her life. A 1947 graduate of St. Elizabeth High School, Paula worked for 10 years at Prudential Mortgage in downtown Detroit as a cashier administrator. On November 28, 1957, Paula married the love of her life, Thomas Curtiss Moran, in a ceremony at Assumption Grotto Catholic Church. In 1959, they moved to Madison Heights, raised 10 children, and despite her larger family, Paula always made time for everyone by always providing support, opportunity, and love.
She cared deeply for her family and neighbors and did this not out of obligation, but because of who she was. She was always the first to offer help, regularly bringing meals to neighbors, and always ensured that every child who crossed her threshold was safe, healthy, happy, and well-fed.
Paula was active in her church volunteering for several activities including cooking for funeral lunches, picnics, Lenten fish fries, and church bazaars. She was a woman who sacrificed again and again for so many by attending endless school and sporting events, cooking fabulous meals, while being both pragmatic and frugal with such a large family. She was humble and plain spoken, one of the "quiet heroes" by working hard and hoping to see her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren thrive.
Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas C.; sons, Daniel J. and Brian J.; great-granddaughter, Charlotte L.; and brother, Carl L. Garavalia. Her beautiful life will be forever cherished in the lives of her children: Thomas J. (Lori S.), Paul J., David J. (Rhonda E.), Patrick M. (Andrea L.), Martin J. (Christine R.), Kathryn M. Weide (William E.), Anne M. Sanders (Forde J.), and Charles J. (Deborah V.); Nonna to 21 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; dear sister to Angelo V. Garavaglia and Carole L. Kraemer; caring aunt and loved deeply by many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00am on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, 28353 Herbert St., Madison Heights, Michigan. Paula will lie in state from 9:30am until time of mass at 10:00am. Interment will take place at Assumption Grotto Cemetery, Detroit at 2:30pm that afternoon.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Paula's memory to iCare of Michigan (www.icare-mi.org) PO Box 181010, Utica, Michigan 48318.
Fond memories and condolences may be offered to the family via the online guestbook.
