Paula E. (Citone) Paige, 63, of Sharon, New York, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2026, in Cooperstown, New York, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Paula was born in Scotia, New York, in September 1962, to Paul and Jenny Citone. She attended Scotia-Glenville Central School and graduated in 1981.

From an early age, Paula learned the value of hard work, hospitality, and taking care of others in the Citone-Restifo tradition, learning her culinary skills from her beloved parents and grandparents.

In her early years, Paula lived in several places around the capital district and worked in a number of public service positions, including at St. Anne Institute, the Office of Developmental Disabilities, and the Department of Labor. She quickly climbed the ranks and developed a successful career working as a lobbyist in Albany, where her determination, resourcefulness, and ability to connect with people served her well.

Paula eventually changed her path and put down roots in Sharon, New York, where she purchased the Sharon Tavern. For 23 years, she owned and operated the tavern, turning it into far more than a business. It became a gathering place, a second home, and a community of people who loved Paula and knew they could count on her.

She had a gift for making people feel welcome, and she never hesitated to lend a hand or help solve a problem. Paula was fiercely independent, endlessly resourceful, and guided by a strong sense of right and wrong. When she cared about something-or someone-she gave it her whole heart.

After many years of hard work, laughter, friendship, and countless memories made at the Sharon Tavern, Paula retired in October 2025.

Paula was predeceased by her parents, Paul and Jenny Citone, and her beloved son-in-law, Bryant Bickford.

She is survived by her beloved children, Garrett (Rebecca) Paige and Sarah Bickford; her grandchildren, Hayleigh Bickford, Madison Leffler, and Lukas Leffler; and her siblings, Frank, Roberta, Paul, Sam, Michael, Gabriella and many others who she considered her chosen family.

Paula lived life on her own terms, trusted her heart, stood by the people she loved, and never lost her willingness to find a way forward. She leaves behind not only a family who adored her, but a community of people whose lives were made better by knowing her.

Though her absence leaves an unimaginable void, Paula's strength, generosity, spirit, and unwavering love will continue through the people she touched and the family she built. Her memory will live on in the stories shared, the lessons she taught, the lives she changed, and the many people who will always be grateful to have known her. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, August 24, 2026, from 5:00-8:00 PM at Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm Street, Cobleskill, NY 12043. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Washington Street, Cobleskill, NY 12043.

Burial will take place privately at the convenience of the family.

Contributions in memory of Paula Paige may be made to Marathon for a Better Life, PO Box 268, Warnerville, NY 12187 or The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.