Paula (Chapman) Bates, 77, of North Attleboro passed away on April 19, 2026.

Born in Waltham, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Donald and Therese (Bry) Chapman.

Paula was the loving wife of Donald M. Bates for 55 years before his passing, a few weeks prior, in March 2026.

Paula is survived by her children, Derek M. Bates, Lauren T. Almeida and her husband, Steven J. Almeida. Granddaughters include; Olivia Kronberg, Asher Bates & Lilliana Almeida along with many loving relatives and friends. Besides her husband, she is predeceased by her son, Shaun D. Bates. She is lovingly remembered by her dear sister, Gail, along with many cherished cousins and close friends, who she considered sisters, including Susan, Julie and Mary.

Paula had a true passion for life, family and friends. Paula treasured weekend trips with her cousins, late-night heart-to-hearts with her son, shopping trips and special talks with her daughter, memorable getaways and lunch dates with her grandchildren, and daily summer Dunkin' runs with Lilliana. Paula loved laughing and finding joy in the simple things in life. She loved creating memories with her family, particularly during the Christmas season, which was a special time of year for her. Paula spent her career in service to others as an RN and Nursing Supervisor for over 40 years, most of those at Sturdy Memorial Hospital until her retirement in 2014.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend Visitation on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm in the "Memorial Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 11:00 am in the "Memorial Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, Attleboro, MA.

Burial will immediately follow in Mount Hope Cemetery, 565 Mount Hope St, North Attleboro, MA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Wonderfund via online at https://www.wonderfundma.org/donate. You may indicate giving in Memory of Paula Bates.

For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the DYER-LAKE FUNERAL HOME, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA. (508) 695-0200.