Paula E. (Burns) Milano, 75, of Johnston, passed away on Monday, May 20, 2024, at the Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence. Born in Pawtucket, she was the daughter of the late Francis and Elizabeth (Risk) Burns. She was the beloved wife of the late Anthony A. Milano for just shy of 50 years.

Paula grew up in Cumberland, then moved to Chepachet for 30 years, and resided in Johnston for the last 10 years.

Paula graduated from Cumberland High School, then graduated from Rhode Island College, where she received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees. She went on to teach English in the Providence school system for 30 years, beginning at Esek Hopkins Middle School, then Central High School, and lastly Hope High School.

After retiring from the Providence school system, she worked for the State Department of Education as a consultant for 10 years.

Paula was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening. She always had a sewing project going, making dolls and quilts galore to give away. She also enjoyed traveling, visiting friends, enjoying the company of their many Marine Corps friends, and attending any event she could of her nieces and nephews. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family and many wonderful friends.

She leaves her siblings: Jane Burns Johnson and her husband, Alan, of Cumberland; Kristen Burns Turner and her husband, Howard, of East Greenwich; Kevin Burns and his wife, Lynn, of Cumberland; and Mark Burns and his wife, Sheila, of Cumberland. She also leaves her aunt, Shirley Risk, of Lincoln, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to Paula's Life Celebration, to be held with visiting hours on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, from 2 to 5 PM at the J. J. Duffy Funeral Home, 757 Mendon Road, Rt. 122, Cumberland. A prayer service will be held at 4:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306.

ONLINE MEMORIAL: jjduffyfuneralhome.com