Paula (Fryar) Swartz

Paula Fryar Swartz, 84, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2022 surrounded by family, in her loving home with a view to the garden and birds.  She was a breast cancer survivor of 30 years, who fought small cell lung cancer for a year and a half.  During that time, Paula was independent, resilient and brave.  Her strong sense of spirituality was a strength for her throughout her journey.

Paula was born in Boston, MA on June 27, 1938.  She was the eldest of the four Fryar siblings, Edwina, James and A. Wendy, born to the late Edwina (Reilly) and Paul Fryar.  The siblings were very close and often shared family history of growing up in North Weymouth on Bridge Street.  Paula was greatly affected by the loss of her brother James and recently, A. Wendy Longo.  She is survived by her sister Edwina Fusco Haglof, who was a great support to her. 

Paula graduated High School in 1956.  She was an avid reader of history and fiction and writer of short stories and poetry.  Paula loved words and music as evidence of her first tattoo for her 80th birthday of a G clef.  When asked if she was a musician, she responded, “In my soul, I am”.  Paula loved all forms of music, especially classical works and opera.  Her favorite composer of lyric opera being Puccini.  She would often quote her father Paul, in acknowledging the greatest of composers; Brahms, Beethoven, Bach and The Beetles.  Paula was very proud to return to formal education when she was in her 40s.  She attended Bridgewater State University where she studied English, Communications and minored in History.  Paula was a member of the Fi Alpha Theta History Society.  She graduated Bridgewater State University in 1984, Magna Cum Laude. 

Paula worked for nearly 10 years for State Street Bank where she was the Assistance to the Executive VP.  She was very proud of this work and her dedication to excellence and high standards of ethics and integrity.  Paula retired from State Street at 55 and moved to Venice and then Sarasota, FL where she lived from 1995 until 2020.  While living in Florida, Paula worked as a Project Manager for Sarasota Country.  She was pleased to manage projects of new parks, bridges and libraries.  Paula continued to connect to her dear friends in Sarasota.

Paula is survived by her children, Gregory Swartz, Julia Swartz Fagnant and her caring son in law, Richard Fagnant.  Days before passing she stated, “The highlight of my life, has been my two children”.  She leaves her grandchildren Jake and Ally Swartz and Maximilian and Reilly Fagnant.  Paula was an amazing and gifted cook.  Her grandchildren were blessed with her cooking their favorite dishes often.  Paula is also survived by her many nieces and nephews and extended close family, many of whom relished the Sunday Dinners and Trim-A-Tree parties.  She loved to throw parties and cook amazing meals and desserts, often times utilizing fruits and vegetable she had grown and always, lots of butter.  Paula was also a very gifted knitter.  She knitted hats, sweaters and baby blankets for family, friends and neighbors.  For several years she knitted baby hats for Boston Children’s Hospital NICU.  She was a very nurturing and sensitive person with a keen sense of compassion and empathy for others.  Known as “The Kissing Aunt” she was very demonstrative with her love and affection.

If desired please make donations to Pembroke Performing Arts, Friends of the Tufts Library in Weymouth and the Magical Moon Farm Foundation in her name. 

A Celebration of Life in honor of Paula will be held on October 14, 2022 from 12:00 to 3:00 pm at the Magical Moon Farm, 575 Summer Street, Marshfield, MA  781-837-1618 www.magicalmoon.org   Please join us in celebration of Paula’s life, talents and loves.

Arrangements by Leighton-MacKinnon Funeral Home, 4 W. Washington St., Hanson, MA

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