Pauline Jane Cianciolo Daley, 89, of North Haven, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Jan. 13 at the Connecticut Hospice in Branford.  She was the wife of the late John H. D. Daley. Paula was born in Guilford on Feb. 16, 1923, one of 13 children born to the late Frank and Francesca Arena Cianciolo. She grew up in Guilford and was a 1941 graduate of Guilford High School, graduating 2nd in her class. Paula was very active in high school, playing varsity basketball, swimming, singing in several glee clubs, and was a member of the yearbook staff.  She then attended the Hospital of St. Raphael Nursing School, graduating in 1944 with an RN degree. 

After receiving her nursing degree, Paula served as a U.S. Army nurse in World War II on the hospital ship USS Republic, treating wounded soldiers in the Philippines, Korea, and Japan.  She also travelled through the Panama Canal and to Pearl Harbor during her tour of duty.   She was honorably discharged as a 1st lieutenant in 1946.

After serving in the Army, Paula returned to Connecticut and continued her nursing career. She worked in the maternity ward at St. Raphael’s Hospital, in administration at the Arden House, and eventually retired from Clintonville Manor, where she was the administrator while also caring for the patients.  She was a dedicated nurse and always made a difference with every patient.

Family was very important to Paula, and she was devoted to making them happy and healthy.  During the summers, she enjoyed spending hot, humid days with her husband and young boys at the beach in West Haven, at Hammonasset, or on Martha’s Vineyard.   Paula loved to travel, from her Army days, to her honeymoon in Bermuda, to annual summer trips to the Vineyard, Disney World, and many European countries, including Italy, where she was in her glory.

Paula loved to cook, garden, read, and enjoyed playing the piano.  Growing up, her boys could always count on a wonderful pasta dinner with homemade sauce, amazing stuffed artichokes, homemade apple fritters, the best brownies in town, baked stuffed lobster every Christmas Eve, and dozens of homemade Christmas cookies for family and friends.  

Paula did not have much of a sweet tooth, except for chocolate!  She could always be found with a piece of Hershey bar in her hand or eating chocolate ice cream.

Paula was a member of the St. Francis Cabrini Church in North Haven, where she lived for over 50 years.

Paula was an exceptional woman.  She was strong, independent and dedicated.  She loved to entertain and spend time with friends and family over long meals.   She was exceptionally proud of her three sons and their families.  She was a sweet and generous person who made everyone smile just by being with her.

Her family thanks the staff on 5-5 and IR at Yale-New Haven Hospital for their professionalism, caring, and compassion over the past six months, and also the staff at Talmage Park, the Hearth at Gardenside, and the Connecticut Hospice.

Paula is survived by three loving and caring sons, John H. D. Daley, Jr. and his wife Janet of Branford, Peter F. A. Daley and his wife Sharon of Hopewell, New Jersey, and Christopher M. Daley and his partner Lawrence Fisher of Madison. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Peter, Christopher, Maxwell, Gilford, and Corrine, and by dozens of wonderful nieces and nephews from her extended family. In addition, she is survived by four sisters, Elna and Joan Cianciolo of Branford, Catherine (Honey) Pegnataro of Branford, and Rita Buonocore of North Haven. She was predeceased by seven sisters, Mary Lazzari, Rose DeMaio, Anna Sullivan, Dorothy, Victoria, and Frances Cianciolo, and Lucille Pegnataro, and by her brother Frank Cianciolo.

The Daley family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, Jan. 17, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St., Guilford.  A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. George Church in Guilford at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 18, followed by burial in All Saints Cemetery in North Haven. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, CT Chapter, 2075 Silas Deane Hwy, Suite 100, Rocky Hill, CT 06067.  To share a memory or leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.GuilfordFuneralHome.com.