Gudrun S. Paulino

WORCESTER – Gudrun S. Paulino, 87, formerly of Holden and the beloved wife of the late John J. Paulino, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at UMass Memorial Medical Center – University Campus.

Born in Norfolk, Virginia in 1939, she was the daughter of the late Capt. Axel Johannsson and Asta (Johannsson) Johannsson. Gudrun was raised in Melrose and later made her home in Holden for 20 years before moving to Worcester in 2012. She was also predeceased by her son, David Johnson.

Gudrun spent most of her life in Massachusetts and built a successful career in the medical supply industry.

After graduating from Medford High School, she entered the workforce and, in 1972, joined General Medical Corp., one of the nation’s largest distributors of medical equipment serving clinics, nursing homes, hospitals, and physicians’ offices. She was appointed as a sales representative and, in 1990, achieved distinction as the company’s top representative. Later in her career, she worked with McKesson HBOC, where she served as a consultant and sales manager before retiring in 2000.

Throughout her life, Gudrun was actively involved in her community. She was a member of several organizations, including the Junior League of Worcester, the Holden Women’s Club, and Tatnuck Country Club. She also dedicated her time as a volunteer with Hope Lodge and the American Red Cross.

She is survived by her son, Ron Johnson and his wife, Stacey, of Shrewsbury; her sister, Maria Rush of West Hyannisport; and her niece, Kristin Palmer of Fairport, New York.

Gudrun’s family will gather privately to honor her life. Arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Worcester Animal Rescue League (www.worcesterarl.org) in Gudrun's honor, as she was a devoted lover of cats and spent much of her life caring for them.