Paula D. (Asoian) Smith of Andover, passed away at home in the arms of her beloved husband, Mark A. Smith and family. She succumbed to her illness Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at the age of 52 after a long and courageous struggle. She was the daughter of Atty. Richard G. and Margaret A. (Sullivan) Asoian, also of Andover.

Raised and educated in Andover, Paula graduated from Fryeburg Academy in Maine with the class of 1982. She went on to Katharine Gibbs School and worked in the accounting department at Shreve Crump and Low in Boston. Planning on a military career, she entered into the U.S. Navy in 1985, but was diagnosed with her illness shortly thereafter, which necessitated her Honorable Medical Discharge.

She and her husband enjoyed life to the fullest, whether it was surrounded by family or alone as a couple. They traveled to Disney World, Jamaica, and every February she celebrated her birthday with family in St. Thomas. Her vibrant personality attracted many loyal followers from grade school on and people still stop to ask if we are Paula Asoian’s family just to mention how much they loved her.

Paula is survived by her most devoted husband of 27 years, Mark Smith; her parents; her sisters, Jeanne Asoian and her significant other Christopher Chetsas, and Jennifer Healy and her husband Matthew; mother-in-law, Elaine (Whitney) Smith; brother-in-law, Mitchell Smith and his wife, Connie; nieces and nephews, Ryan Asoian, his girlfriend, Stephanie Monroy and their infant son, Ryder, Brooke Carter, and Sam Healy, Cassie (Smith) Ford and her husband, Richard, and Mitchell Smith, Jr.; many aunts, cousins, friends; and especially her personal care assistant of 13 years, Jennifer Frasca.

Funeral services were held Saturday, January 21, 2017 at the Cataudella Funeral Home, Methuen. Those who wish to honor Paula by making a contribution in her memory are asked to consider doing so by donating to finding a cure for Huntington’s disease at www.hdsa.org.

For online condolences please visit www.cataudellafh.com.