Mrs. Carolyn Ann (Kulas) Papa, 85, a resident of the Masonic Care Community in Utica and formerly of Whitesboro, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the nursing home, surrounded by her loving family.

    Carolyn was born in Utica on June 2, 1940, the daughter of Stanley and Stella (Lopata) Kulas. She was raised in Utica, graduated from Utica Free Academy, and earned her Registered Nursing degree from St. Elizabeth College of Nursing. Carolyn continued her education at SUNY Upper Division, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in nursing. On December 29, 1962, Carolyn was united in marriage to Joseph Papa at Holy Trinity Church in Utica. Their loving and devoted union spanned 34 years, until Joseph’s passing in 1996. Carolyn was employed as a Registered Nurse with the Visiting Nurse Association in Utica, dedicating her career to caring for others. She enjoyed reading, knitting, traveling, and spending time at the Dunham Public Library in Whitesboro. A devout Catholic, Carolyn was a devoted parishioner of St. Paul’s Church in Whitesboro, where she found great peace and comfort in her faith. Above all else, Carolyn’s greatest joy in life was her family, especially her grandchildren, who were truly the light of her life.

    Mrs. Papa is survived by her three children; her son, Joseph (Melinda) Papa, Jr. of Griffin, GA and her daughters, Karen (Jim) Riutta of Stafford, VA and Jennifer (Michael) Collea of Whitesboro; her three cherished grandchildren, Caroline Collea and Michael Collea both of Whitesboro and Joshua Riutta of Stafford, VA and her sister, Donna Ford of Utica, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph and parents, Stanley and Stella.

    Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Carolyn’s funeral Mass of Christian burial on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 9:30 AM at St. Paul’s Church, 16 Park Ave, Whitesboro. The family will greet visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. She will be laid to rest with her beloved Joseph at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum in Utica. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Carolyn’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis TN 38105 (www.stjude.org) or Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society, 5664 Horatio St. Utica, NY 13502 (www.anitas-sshs.org). Envelopes will be available at Church.