Bernardine "Bernie" Paulson

bernardine

Bernardine “Bernie” Rose (Desautels) Paulson, 89, Fargo passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 28, 2014 at the Palliative Care Unit of Sanford Health surrounded by her family.

Bernie was born October 19, 1925 in Michigan, ND to Ernest and Rosalia (Fink) Desautels. She graduated from Michigan High School as Valedictorian before attending Mayville State College, earning her Associates Degree. She moved to El Segundo, CA to work in an airplane factory in the blue print department for 14 months before moving back home on her 19th  birthday to help with her family when her mother had surgery. She taught at a country school “Melrose” near Michigan for 1 year for 11 students.

She married Almond Paulson on July 15, 1946 and they made their home in Wahpeton. She worked for Otter Tail Power for a time and then stayed home to begin raising her family of 14. They moved to Lidgerwood in 1948 and lived there for 18 years. She moved to Hankinson, ND in 1966 and worked at the school in the food service department for 7 years. She finished her career as the receptionist at St. Gerard’s Hospital for 10 years. She moved to Fargo in 1995 with Almond. Almond passed away in 2001.

Bernie was an active volunteer and member at each of her parishes. She had a deep love of God and passed on her faith to each of her children. She enjoyed playing cards, working puzzles of all kinds, cross-stitching, watching sports and was an avid Yankees fan. She loved to cook, had a great love for music and a fantastic sense of humor. Bernie’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the love of her life and she always enjoyed spending time with all of them.

She is survived by her children; Linda (friend Tom) Camire, South Hamilton, MA; Terence Paulson, Fargo, ND; Steven (DeeAnne) Paulson, Austin, TX; Michael Paulson, Fargo, ND; Lawrie (Teddi Jo) Paulson, Jamestown, ND; Nancy (John) Darling, Mandan, ND; Lisa (John) Fischl, Phoenix, AZ; Justin (Wendy) Paulson, Fargo, ND; Daniel (Denise) Paulson, Fargo, ND; Melanie (Gary) Salava, Riverview, FL; Jacqueline (Robert) Buschette, Cedar Rapids, IA; Heidi (friend Rob) Paulson, Boston, MA; 27 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; siblings, Annette Farrell, Eau Claire, WI; Ramon “Art” (Jean) Desautels, East Grand Forks, MN; Reine (Phil) Freeman, Grand Forks, ND; Ernest (Judy) Desautels, Brookfield, WI.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Almond, daughter, Rosemary, son, Richard and daughter-in-law, Mary, siblings; Barbara Stump; Rita Raschke; Jean Herrmann; Herman Desautels; Richard Desautels; Frederick Desautels, and great-granddaughter, Estelle.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Sts. Anne & Joachim Catholic Church, Fargo.

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  1. Grand Forks ND
    My sympathy and prayers to all the family. I saw the obituary in the Grand Forks herald this morning. I will let my sister, Marcy, know about Bernadine’s death.

  2. Malden MAHeidi and Family – So sorry to hear of your loss. Your Mom was an incredible woman who lived a full life, with a wonderful family.

    You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

  3. HANKINSON North Dakota
    Our sympathies in the loss of your Mother.

    She always had a great smile and good control of the family as you were growing up across the street from us.

    We pray that god will comfort you.

  4. Phoenix AZ
    Mom, you are a source of inspiration, strength and comfort for me. Thank you for giving us all you had to give. Love you.

  5. Dear Nancy and family,
    I am so sorry for your loss. Nancy I have fond memories of you sharing stories of your Mom. May she bee a peace and in the arms of our loving Lord! Hugs to you you my friend.

  6. parker ColoradoThinking of the family and loved ones of Mrs. Paulson. Prayers for you as you grieve the loss of one so dear. May rich memories heal your heart.

  7. Folsom CaliforniaSending love and prayers to the Paulson family. I will always remember Aunt Bernie with fondness.

  8. Oh Mom

    You stood tall as a Rose of the Prarie

    Despite the thorn of sorrows you sometimes endured

    Your fragrant faith provided you with strength.

    You ‘petaled’ an enduring motherhood with dry wit,intelligence, and skill

    Your bubbling laughter resonating to the joys of life

    Whenever many winds of change rippled by – your bouquet of dignity remained intact

    Oh Bernie Rose we’re pleased you always bloom where you are planted.

    Heaven – welcome to a new Prarie Beauty.

    We on earth will truly miss and remember our Prarie Rose.

  9. Grand Forks ND
    So sorry to hear that Bernie passed away. I hope you have lots of your family together to share many stories and good memories. I remember what a wonderful cook your mom and Catherine were and how much my Grandma Myrtle and Grandpa Rudy enjoyed it when all the Paulson siblings would get together! We leave tomorrow (Tues) for a trip to Florida so I won’t be able to make it to the service but I will be thinking of you all. Love, Kathy

  10. Bernie was an avid reader – she could easily devour a stack of 15-20 books every other week! We’ll miss talking titles and authors with her and hearing her reading recommendations. Please accept our condolences on your loss.
    The Fargo Public Library Outreach team:
    Pam Strait
    Rickie Esslinger
    Kirstie Carlson;

  11. Grand Forks ND

    My sympathy and prayers to all the family. I saw the obituary in the Grand Forks herald this morning. I will let my sister, Marcy, know about Bernadine’s death.;

  12. Malden MAHeidi and Family – So sorry to hear of your loss. Your Mom was an incredible woman who lived a full life, with a wonderful family.

    You are all in our thoughts and prayers. ;

  13. HANKINSON North DakotaOur sympathies in the loss of your Mother.

    She always had a great smile and good control of the family as you were growing up across the street from us.

    We pray that god will comfort you.;

  14. Coon Rapids MNSo sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. She raised a fantastic family. ;

  15. Phoenix AZMom, you are a source of inspiration, strength and comfort for me. Thank you for giving us all you had to give. Love you.

    ;

  16. Dear Nancy and family,
    I am so sorry for your loss. Nancy I have fond memories of you sharing stories of your Mom. May she bee a peace and in the arms of our loving Lord! Hugs to you you my friend. ;

  17. parker ColoradoThinking of the family and loved ones of Mrs. Paulson. Prayers for you as you grieve the loss of one so dear. May rich memories heal your heart.;

  18. Folsom CaliforniaSending love and prayers to the Paulson family. I will always remember Aunt Bernie with fondness.;

  19. Oh Mom

    You stood tall as a Rose of the Prarie

    Despite the thorn of sorrows you sometimes endured

    Your fragrant faith provided you with strength.

    You ‘petaled’ an enduring motherhood with dry wit,intelligence, and skill

    Your bubbling laughter resonating to the joys of life

    Whenever many winds of change rippled by – your bouquet of dignity remained intact

    Oh Bernie Rose we’re pleased you always bloom where you are planted.

    Heaven – welcome to a new Prarie Beauty.

    We on earth will truly miss and remember our Prarie Rose.
    ;

  20. Grand Forks ND

    So sorry to hear that Bernie passed away. I hope you have lots of your family together to share many stories and good memories. I remember what a wonderful cook your mom and Catherine were and how much my Grandma Myrtle and Grandpa Rudy enjoyed it when all the Paulson siblings would get together! We leave tomorrow (Tues) for a trip to Florida so I won’t be able to make it to the service but I will be thinking of you all. Love, Kathy;


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