Bertha Ruth Paulson

Resided in Escanaba, MI
Died May 5, 2020

Bertha Ruth Paulson, 98, of Escanaba, passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at
the Bishop Noa Home. She was born on November 26, 1921, in Escanaba to
Timothy and Maude (Sayen) Curran. Bertha was the youngest of thirteen children
and the last to survive.

A life-long active member of St. Joseph Parish, she graduated as salutatorian
from St. Joseph High School in 1939. She married Paul D. Paulson on November
15, 1940, and together they raised seven children: Mary (Howard) Smale,
Coni (Allen) Shirk, Judy (Carl) Heinz, Carol (Steve) Davis, Paul (Dixie) Paulson,
Steven (Danelle) Paulson and Tim Paulson.

Bertha was a frequent community volunteer with over 25 years as a member
of the O.S.F St. Francis Hospital Auxiliary. She also assisted in community
fundraisers, taught CCD classes at St. Joseph Church, and during the monumental
task of caring for seven children, was an active volunteer in their activities.
She and Paul spent over 50 summers camping in the upper Midwest with family
and a wide circle of friends, and in their retirement traveled extensively in the U.S.
and Europe. Proud of her Irish heritage, her favorite trip was to Ireland, the
highlight of which was kissing the Blarney Stone.

A life-long lover of chocolate and an avid reader, Bertha often read very late
into the night. She enjoyed playing cards and board games, and for decades was a
member of a card-playing birthday club. Bertha also took great pride in
transforming her home for every season and holiday with her extensive collection
of decorations.

She was preceded in death by her husband on June 18, 1999 and grandson,
Paul Paulson III, on May 26, 2011. She is survived by her seven children, 13
grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, August 3 at 11:00 AM at the St. Joseph and St. Patrick Parish with Fr. Tim Ferguson officiating. Bertha will be laid to rest in the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.

The Paulson family is being assisted by the Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba.

13 Tributes for “Bertha Ruth Paulson”

    Coni and Al.. I am so sorry of your mom’s passing.. I know she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.. You are in my prayers..

    My very sincere condolences to the Paulson family on the passing of your mom. I have many great childhood memories of her and the whole family! May she rest in God’s peace.

    To all you Paulson kids. I believe your mom was the last of the great parents who raised a whole city block of neighborhood kids that played, fought and went to school and church together. Just between the Paulsons, Johnsons and Butlers, there was 25 kids. It was the best time to grow up. When you get together to celebrate your mother’s life you will have so many stories to tell. And the tears you shed will be from both crying and laughing. May you find comfort in knowing that she is in God’s hands now. God bless all of you.

    JoAnne Johnson

    Paulson family, my most sincere condolences on the loss of your dear mom. You have my deapest sympathy.

    She was the last of the great ladies of our neighborhood! She reminded me so much of our mom, a kind and rather soft spoken woman, in spite of the fact that she had a houseful of kids. I like to think that it was all of us kids that contributed to our mom’s longevity! Oh the stories she is sharing with all the other moms in heaven. Keep it clean Bertha!

    May she rest in eternal peace in the arms of Jesus Christ our lord.

    Yet another Johnson weighing in to offer my condolences to the Paulson Family in the passing of your dear mother. Our families were so blessed to have had such wonderful role models. May your sweet memories of her love and kindness sustain you all as you mourn her passing, knowing she is now enjoying a peace beyond our comprehension.

    Dear Paulson Family,
    Our condolences to each one of you on your mom’s passing. To reiterate the Johnson girls comments we were fortunate to know your lovely mother during our formative years. Now Bertha, Paul, Bill, Mary Alice, Sleepy and Marge are having a block party in heaven. Your mom will always be by your side through your memories.

    I”m so sorry to hear about your mom. I enjoyed talking care of her at the BNH. She was one of my favorites.

    So sorry to read of your mom’s passing. I will remember her fondly. Our camping trips to Runkle Lake were some of my favorite times. Her gentle personality and warm smile remain in my heart. My deepest sympathy to the entire family.

    Bertha was once of my favorite aunts and I have so many warm memories of her & Uncle Paul. I will never forget her jumping into the kids pool at Mom & Dad’s pool 40th anniversary party!!! Everyone LOVED her so much!!! Go, Bertha!!! We love ❤️ you!! God be with you!!!

    I have a card…but I can’t find anyone’s address. So I’ll send it to the funeral home. I’m sorry I didn’t visit more this year, but I did think about her a lot.

    Our deepest condolences on your Mom’s passing. I remember many family history lessons my father taught me growing up and your Mom and family were a part of that. May your Mom Rest In Peace. Sincerely,

    Connie Curran Cousineau
    (John and Lorraine’s daughter)

    Dear Paulson Family,
    My apology for being late on arrival. It is with deepest sympathy in the loss of your Mother, and your Dad; 1999. Both your parents were very kind souls. It seems that the old neighborhood parents are neighbors once again at their liitle piece of heaven on earth. Holy Cross Cemetery. May your parents rest in eternal peace.
    Kindest Regards,
    Jan C. Kidd-Dahn
    (sat26sep2020)

Post a Tribute

Your email address will not be published. Tributes are moderated before posted. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.