Paula Elizabeth DiSabatino of Wilmington, Delaware received her wings on September 28, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and friends.
Paula was the daughter of the late Paul E. and Bettyann DiSabatino. She was predeceased by her husband, Michael Gorman, the true love of her life; her son, Mark “Markie” McMenamin; her stepson, Patrick Gorman; and her brother, Paul J. “Pat” DiSabatino.
She leaves behind a great big family who adored her: her AWESOME sons Johnny McMenamin (Katie) and Matthew McMenamin (Summer); her stepdaughter, Laura Gorman (Rich); her siblings Gail DiSabatino Showghi (Anush), Denise Allen (Ronnie), and Brian DiSabatino; her grandchildren Zachary, Tessie, Timmy, JJ, and Keeley; her Bonus Grandchildren Graham (Kristina), Nolan, and Piper; and her great-grandson, Tripp.
Paula answered to many names — Mom, Nona, Super Nona, Flower, Sister, Aunt, God Mother, Wife, Cousin — and proudly, one of the Brandywine Girls. She loved her family fiercely, was enormously proud of her Wilmington roots, and never missed an opportunity to tell you all about either one.
She attended Immaculate Heart of Mary and Brandywine High School, where she made friendships that lasted a lifetime. Life took her to Alabama, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Chicago, and Cleveland, but Wilmington was always home.
Paula built a successful career with MBNA, and Chicago brought her one of life’s greatest gifts: Michael. He was the love of her life and her favorite partner in retirement, travel, family gatherings, good meals, and adventure. We’re pretty sure Michael, Markie, and Patrick were waiting for her — and that Paula and Michael had already picked up right where they left off, at the dinner table.
Family was Paula’s greatest source of pride. She loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchild beyond measure, adored her nieces and nephews, and happily bragged about all of them to anyone willing to listen.
Paula was an amazing cook. If you wanted to learn how to make her meatballs and sauce, clams and spaghetti, beef stroganoff, or famous pasta fagioli, she was happy to show you. For Paula, food was her love language, it best served around a crowded table with stories, laughter, and plenty to go around. And when you find yourself enjoying a big bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream or a glass of dry chardonnay, think of Paula.
She was also, without question, the life of the party. Paula brought that same big heart to causes she cared deeply about, whether she was dancing at Fight Like Frank, riding in a Jeep at Vet Fest, or carrying the Sharky sign for atTAcK addiction, Paula didn’t just attend — she showed up and gave it her whole heart.
Her family is deeply grateful to the care teams at Encore at Foulk, Christiana Hospital, and Christiana Hospice for the compassion, kindness, dignity, and tenderness they showed Paula and everyone who loved her.
A Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 4, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE. 19803. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 5, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 2013 Gilpin Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19806. Interment will be private.
Please wear your best shoes — she’ll be watching — and a bright tie. Paula LOVES red!
In lieu of flowers, please honor Paula’s memory with a donation to one of the causes close to her heart: Fight Like Frank Foundation — Venmo @fightlikefrank, or mail a check to The Fight Like Frank Foundation, 565 East Saint Andrews Drive, Media, PA 19063 or Vet Fest (Stop Soldier Suicide): https://runsignup.com/teampaulavetfest or atTAck Addiction: https://www.attackaddiction.org/donate .
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