Bio
Paula
Grandpre
Wood
Pawtucket, RI is my birthplace, close to the train station where my De Grandpre ancestors arrived from Quebec. Our family lived in Central Falls, RI in a tenement house, as my father’s family had when they immigrated to the United States. I became “The Girl from Central Falls,” not to be confused with the actress Viola Davis, who also grew up there.
My Mémé showed me the Arrow Sash when I was nineteen. Passed from father to son through generations of the De Grandpre family, the Sash and I bonded that day. Who knew I’d someday visit far-flung cemeteries searching for my ancestors and their stories.
While learning about my ancestors and the Sash, I found my way back to the Catholic Church. The Blessed Mother Mary called me to travel to Medjugorje, drawing me home to Jesus, to my roots. Every step of my way my ancestors are praying for me.
North Central Massachusetts is where my husband Michael and I live with our three energetic dogs. The dogs get me outside in every kind of weather where we can run free.
