Obituary of Emma Paulson

Emma E. "Dolly" Paulson passed away peacefully October 18, 2011 at Ray Hickey Hospice House with her family at her side. She was born November 13, 1924 in Boring, Oregon. Dolly moved to Washougal with her family in 1926. In 1932, she relocated to the place she would call home for the rest of her life. It was on this very property where she would raise her family and cultivate her flower and vegetable gardens. Dolly married Fred Paulson on June 18, 1944. After his discharge from the Army, they settled on the family property in Washougal. Fred went to work in the paper mill and Dolly stayed at home where she raised their four children. Dolly thoroughly enjoyed her long career as a day care provider. Over the years, she touched countless lives in a positive and caring way. In several instances, she was honored to care for multiple generations within the same family. Dolly loved to have her home filled with children, especially babies. She used to say that the babies kept her young. She loved and cared for each one of her "kids" as if they were her own. Nothing made her happier than to fill the walls of her home with pictures of all her "kids." To them, she was simply known as "Paulson" but they meant the world to her. Dolly's other passion in life was her gardens. She was known for her sweet corn and her flowers. She also loved to bake for her family and friends. Fresh baked bread, still hot from the oven, was a care package welcomed by anyone that was feeling under the weather. Red Velvet cakes were the standard for any celebration that Dolly was a part of. Dolly was also a member of the Vashti Chapter #136 Order of Eastern Star, the Lackamas Chapter #152 Order of Eastern Star, and the Washougal Grange Hall. Dolly is survived by her husband, Fred; her daughter, Janice (Mark Stewart); her sons, Bill and Norm (Lisa); her grandchildren Lisa Jessup, Kristina Johnstone, Elizabeth Kelly, Fred Mercer, Arin Long, Keith Mercer, and William Paulson; and numerous great-grandchildren. Dolly is preceded in death by her daughter, Karen, and her beloved sisters, Gladys and Louisa, and grandson David Paulson. Special thanks to Adriana, Wes, Monica and Sarah of Clerestorie Adult Family Home for the wonderful, compassionate care they gave to Dolly over the past two years following her stroke. Their care for Dolly during her final, fragile time made a difficult decision so much easier on the rest of us. There will be a celebration of Dolly's life on Saturday, October 22nd at 11:00 am at Brown's Funeral Home: 410 NE Garfield St. Camas, WA 98607. Viewing will be held on Friday, October 21st at Brown's Funeral Home from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Vault interment will be held at the Washougal Memorial Cemetery in Washougal. Memorials in Dolly's honor may be sent to the Washougal School Foundation. Brown's Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Camas has been entrusted with arrangements.