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Paulette Harris Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Paulette Harris
Jeanne Powers
February 11, 2021
It may seem odd, getting a message more than ten years after her passing, but today I was thinking of Paulette. I was trying to think of a password for a new group I’m joining. It involves trails all over the U.S.; I’m looking for inspiration for new adventures. I decided to use Paulette’s initials as part of the password because I have always thought of her as my partner in adventure. She would try anything! I admired her fearless spirit, perhaps best evidenced by that wild trip to Mexico for a wedding.
I read through all the comments, and I agree with all the kind things said. She was one of a kind, and is forever missed.
Paulette and my Mother in Charleston, SC 2008 I took the picture.
Tammy Sykora-Nieto
January 4, 2011
To Paulette:
I wish I had the opportunity to hug you and tell you goodbye; to thank you for your cheerfulness, encouragement, motivation and acceptance you so easily gave me. I respected you for your strength, confidence, sense of adventure, creativity, humbleness and loving heart. I will never forget your childlike voice and laughter and you will always be in my thoughts and heart; especially when I am wearing my keens which is often. ;)
To your family:
May the love of friends, family, and God carry you through your grief as well as your wonderful memories.
December 18, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go out to you Ken and your family. Paulette was an amazing woman, so loving, understanding, compassionate, and strong. I can't tell you how thankful I am that God chose to bring her into my life, as a close friend. I believe I am a better person because of her influence. She was like the sunshine on a rainy day. She brought hope to those who were struggling to find their way. She was always there to lend a helping hand, and she never new a stranger. Part of her will be visible for years to come in her incredible pottery creations. I will miss her more than I can say. Love Woody
Cheryl Bartz
December 15, 2010
I worked with Paulette in the 80s and we re-connected by chance on the Grand River Expedition this summer. What stuck with me about Paulette was that she was ethical, hard-working, conscientious and helpful. We paddled together a lot on the 12-day Grand River Expedition and I got to know her better. One act of hers captured her generosity for me. It may seem trivial to others, but it was a big deal to us. Near the end of the trip, we had a lunch break with nowhere to wash our hands. Paulette put out her own package of handiwipes so that everyone could be refreshed. After several people wondered aloud where the handiwipes had miraculously come from, she casually said she put them there.
That seemed to capture Paulette for me: quiet, generous, kind, but not one to ring her own bell. She also generously arranged, with Ken’s help, to get me a different boat when my own proved very unsatisfactory. That was generosity way above and beyond the call of duty.
It was a challenging trip, but Paulette toughed it out. Her perseverance was inspiring. She shared with the group on the last day that the trip had changed her life. I wish she had had more time to enjoy her new insights and that I had had more time to enjoy her friendship.
Pat (Panek) Seal
December 15, 2010
To know Paulette was to love her. Her generous nature, accepting spirit, and genuine care for others was always evident. Our adventures started in grade school and continued all these many years. You are missed my dear friend.
Gary and Christina Branch
December 12, 2010
Ken,
Gary and I always enjoyed bowling with you and Paulette on the Family Feuders bowling league. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Chris and Judy Moore
December 12, 2010
Dear Harris Family,
So sorry for your loss. We feel blessed and privileged to have shared precious time with Paulette. She definitely has touched our lives with her tenacity and grandeur spirit. May time, love and memories bring you peace.
Staci Rodes-Browers
December 11, 2010
Dear Harris family,
I am so very sorry for the loss of your mom and wife. I did see Paulette as a nursing student, though I don't think she recognized me, as it has been a long time since I have seen any of you guys. I had the privilege of knowing Paulette through Jim during our high school years. You are all in my thoughts and prayers as I know how hard it is to lose someone as wonderful as she was.
Robbe DiPietro
December 11, 2010
It was impossible to encounter Paulette and not be touched by her genuine warmth and gracious nature. She created beautiful pottery as well as beautiful memories for all who knew her. Paulette knew what was most important in life and lived it.
LaLarie McFadden
December 11, 2010
Harris Family,
I am thankful for having the opportunity of knowing Paulette. We worked together with the SOM-DNR in the early 80's and was inspired by her pleasant and professional nature.
The funeral service was beautiful in Paulette's homegoing to now be with our Lord.
God bless you and keep you strong in this time of sorrow.
Judy Boice
December 11, 2010
Paulette was my first pottery teacher and she taught us with patience and skill. I fondly remember her digging the "Pit" behind Clayworks and I referred to her as the "Pit Crew Chief" as they built it. She gave me a great appeciation for the time and skill required to produce her beautiful pieces of pottery and I am proud to own one of her horsehair pieces. I will always cherish it. My thoughts are with the Harris family and all the members of Clayworks that will miss her smiling face.
Sharon Schafer
December 11, 2010
Paulette was an inspiration to everyone. She was such a gifted potter and teacher and what great patience she had. At work, she was always smiling and had such a positive attitude. I will miss her greatly.
Karen McKenna Jallos
December 11, 2010
Paulette was a good friend in high school years at Msgr. Gabriel's High. Reading the memorials, it is evident she continued her whole life in the kind smiling supportive comfortable ways she had with our Class of '67. Remembering a fun game of golf at a reunion.She knew how to have a good time and never had a bad word to say for anyone or anything. Admiration, sympathy and prayers for strength and peace.
nancy cummings
December 10, 2010
Paulette, your were such a great person to work with, I will always hold dear to my heart the great times we had with Women in Natural Resources, Linda with her accordian, the singing , dancing , drinking sharing of thoughts hopes and ideas. We were a great bunch.......love nancy cummings
Renee Lindemann
December 10, 2010
If we could all live our lives with just a fraction of the grace and joy and passion Paulette had, can you imagine what this world would be like?
I am so sad that she's gone, but I am also inspired to try to go on with the same energy that she had. What a wonderful example she was.
We will miss her so much.
Sharon Edgar
December 9, 2010
It was a better world when Paulette was in it.
Kelli and Jess Sobel
December 9, 2010
Paulette was an amazing person. It was my honor to work with her for so many years. Every time I look at the beautiful pottery she made, it fills my heart with happiness because I know how much joy her pottery brought to her. She will so be missed.
Tonya Schelter
December 9, 2010
Dear Ken and Family, my deepest sympathy go out to you during this time for the loss of Paulette, a wonderful wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend. It was a priviledge for me to have Paulette as a co-worker and friend "back in ye'ole' DNR days" (1974-89). My memories of our days working and playing together (division gatherings and softball games) are very clear to me. She was a brilliant woman with the passion, compassion, quick wit and the patience of a saintly lady. She will always remain in my heart as one of those beautiful people I/we meet along our path in life and aspire to be more like. And I will always remember her beautiful, soulful smile. Paulette was that bright star that shared her light with others and lifted up the wings of others during times when they couldn't fly on their own. She will be dearly missed though we know she'll shine on us from above. God Bless you all, and may the peace of this season bring peace to your hearts as they mend from our fondest memories of Paulette. Tonya Gamble-Schelter, Lansing, Mi MDNRE
Faye Crowl
December 9, 2010
To the entire Harris family, my thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. It was a pleasure getting to know all of you, and a privilage taking care of Paulette. I know she will be greatly missed. Faye Crowl.
December 9, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Uncle Ken, Robert, James and Deborah. Aunt Paulette will be deeply missed.All our Love, Kara and Samantha Ely.
Kim and Paul Cordes
December 9, 2010
Aunt Paulette leaves a legacy of living life to it's fullest. What a very special lady who touched our lives and many, many others. My heart is heavy for you, Uncle Ken, Robert, James and Deborah. May Christ's loving arms bring you peace during this time.
Mark Twichel
December 8, 2010
As a student nurse at Sparrow, it was my distinct honor and priviledge to help take care of Paullete. I will always remember how she smiled with such sincerity and warmth. It was the sort of smile that can only be born from a heart filled with love. I know she will be deeply missed by the many lives she touched including my own.
Suzanne Mihelich (Member of Clayworks)
December 8, 2010
Ken and family, Paulette will be greatly missed by the many people whose lives she touched. Her energy, generous and caring spirit, and zest for life will truely be missed.
Chris Holly
December 8, 2010
From all of your friends at the State of Michigan and as a good friend of your daughter Deborah, my sincere condolences go out to all of the Harris family. May Paulette's artistic gift continue to be an inspiration to her children and may they share their own gifts with others as Paulette has so willingly done throughout the wonderful life she lived.
Nikki Shears
December 8, 2010
Miss you Aunt Paulette. Love and hugs to you Uncle Ken, Robert, Jim & family, Deborah & Kevin.
On the river with our friend.
Dee Nelson
December 8, 2010
Robert, James, & Deborah, I hope you know how extremely proud your mother was of the three of you and how much joy you brought to her life. (Of course we know how she felt about Haley and Addie). And Ken, you were the love of her life. She would want you to stay strong and remember all the good times. Our "Committee" won't be the same, but there will be lots of toasts in honor of our "Miss P". Paulette, thank you for being my friend. -Dee
Joyce Lane-Slomski
December 8, 2010
Sometimes it is just too difficult to find the words to express deep emotions.
Paulette was a shining candle to all who knew her or had the good fortune to meet her and see her beautiful smile, to feel her passion for life.
My heart goes out to you, Ken, her best friend and lover, and to your family. I pray God's blessings on you according to all your needs. I pray for your courage and strength as your journey continues.
God bless,
Joyce Lane-Slomski
Raku Heart Paulette created
Kris Belonge
December 7, 2010
I had the pleasure of kayaking with Paulette on the Grand River once with her niece Tamara. She had an amazing aura. Peace be with you now.
Paula Harney
December 7, 2010
So sorry another bright light has gone from this world...although Paulette's is shining in the next as we all know. What I remember about Paulette in high school was the wonderful positive attitude she maintained at all times. PLUS she was a great basketball player, one I admired from the "bench."
Shannon Sykora Trojanowicz
December 7, 2010
Paulette was a very wonderful woman that blessed the lives of everyone that had the opportunity to know her. My parents, my children, my sister and myself will all cherish the special times and memories we were able to share with her.
Rest in peace Paulette, you will be dearly missed!
Sandy Wentworth
December 7, 2010
Ken and family - All of you are in our prayers. Condolences to your family.
I always felt like I knew Paulette very well by the way Ken talked so highly of her. Her kindness and love will always be with you.
Thinking of all of you -
Sandy and Wayne Wentworth
Joe Taylor
December 7, 2010
Ken and Family - I had the pleasure of working and playing with Paulette during multiple positions in the DNR and many outside activities. She touched many people in her various ways, and served as the model/mentor for a great many more. She will be greatly missed, but her influence and teachings will be with all of us who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Mary Nardo
December 7, 2010
Paulette was a delight to know, I am very glad to have had the opportunity. The world will not be as bright without her smile. My condolences go out to your family at this difficult loss.
Christine Apostol
December 7, 2010
Ken and family, I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.
Judy Gibson
December 7, 2010
I had the pleasure of meeting Paulette many years ago at work. She was always a joy to work with, and I will remember her especially during the holiday seasons. She gave me a beautiful reindeer that I named "Paulette" many seasons past. Keep her great spirit in your heart now and during all the seasons. My condolences to the family.
Jerry De Voss
December 7, 2010
My condolenses to Paulette's family. I knew Paulette though our mutual involvement in Clayworks. Her pottery skills were an inspiration to me and I feel blessed to have known her. I will miss her.
Sheila Waggoner
December 7, 2010
You are all in my thoughts.
Julane Quick
December 7, 2010
Paulette was delightful to work with at the DNR. Friendly and smiling, she was always ready to help any one, any way, any time. To Paulette, life was an adventure to be enjoyed and shared. My condolences to her family on the loss of this truly wonderful person.
December 7, 2010
Harris family,so very very sorry for your loss. Memories are what will keep her near. Tears... will turn to smiles when your thoughts think of her.
Patty Roethele
December 7, 2010
I was so sorry to hear of Paulette's passing. I bowled and worked with her for many years and she always had a smile on her face and was a joy to be around. I know she was in the hospital a long time. My husband was in the hospital for five weeks also when Paulette was there and he passed on October 25th. I always wanted to stop in to say "Hello" to Paulette but was not very strong emotionally and didn't feel it was a good time to see her. My sincere condolences go to her family.
December 7, 2010
KEN, JAMES, ROBERT AND DEBORAH: My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. I met Paulette through the marriage of Josh and Rebekah and consider myself blessed to have known her. Her talent with pottery was amazing as I often look at the pieces she gave Josh and Rebekah as wedding gifts and that are proudly displayed around their home.
May God wrap his arms around you all at this time and in the future as you grief her passing.
With love and prayers,
Dawn Devins
Maggie Wallin
December 7, 2010
Ken and family,
I am so saddened by Paulette's passing, and send my very deepest condolences to you in this loss. Paulette was an inspiration to me and many others.
Sue Bedard
December 7, 2010
I only knew Paulette through my dear friend Ken's eyes. What a wonderful person she was. Ken married well.
Allison Frohriep
December 7, 2010
Ken and family,
Many prayers are going out to you. Paulette was a genuinely nice person. I met her at Clayworks, where I am a student. She was always willing to help out with a smile on her face. She was truly a gifted potter and I can only aspire to be such a talent and a person.
Deb Anderson
December 7, 2010
Paulette was a great friend, mentor and like a second Mom to me all rolled into one. I learned many things from Paulette over the years and I will always be grateful for that. I will cherish the many memories and the beautiful pottery that she gave me for various gifts. She was a beautiful person that loved everybody and I will miss her dearly. We have all been blessed to have a great person like Paulette in our lives.
chris mcbride
December 7, 2010
The world is a little darker place without the light of Paulette's bright smile. Paulette and i shared many fun adventures in clay - Raku firing, glazing, building the pole barn for the woodfire kiln at clayworks and so much more. She was always imaginitive, energetic, thoughtful and positive. She was willing to help with almost any task and share her skills as a clay artist. I will miss her, i will miss her heart.
Steve Stauff
December 7, 2010
Paulette had a gentle spirit that was shown in her art, her friendship and as a pottery teacher. We will all miss her ....
Kim Howard-Bollman
December 7, 2010
Paulette was so special, words just cant begin to wrap themselves around her essence. We loved you just like you were family. Love, sympathy, and deepest condolences to the family. She was an incredible, inspiring woman, and I feel lucky to have known her.
Lynne McGarry
December 7, 2010
Ken and Family,
I have only pleasant memories of your wonderful Paulette. We worked together during the 80's and 90's and she was always so willing to help and never showed anything but patience while listening or teaching others. It was fun touching base yearly at the bowling event, I'm sorry that I lost touch recently. Rest in Peace Paulette and to Ken, kids and grandkids always remember what a classy, fun person she was. Peace by with you all.
December 7, 2010
Ken and family, No one was a better person to spend time with than Paulette. You arent remembered for work, it's the other things that mean much more. She was a great softball pitcher for Fish and Chips; Mike Moore and Gerry know that very well too. And, how many other things did she do so well ; pottery, golf, biking, enjoying life and friends, what a loss..Laurel, Tex, George and Pat , Beverly...you also said it so well. Mike McDonald , Haslett
Ken Baldwin
December 7, 2010
Ken and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I know she will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences in the loss of your wife and mother.
Laurel Manning
December 6, 2010
Ken and family,
Paulette was such a loving giving person. It is hard to think of the world without her. She left me with many great memories. I hope you will be able to remember your great times with her and those memories help you at this painful time in your lives. She will be missed by so many people, but she is smiling down on all of us now and will watch over you!
Tex Irvin
December 6, 2010
Paulette Was a good friend of many years standing. I make a donation to the Cancer fund here in Texas.
Beverly Raisanen
December 6, 2010
While reading my e-mail from Mike Moore on Paulette's passing, I remembered all the fun time I had working and socializing with her back in the '70's & 80's. She was instrumental in getting my transfer to the Marquette Fish Hatchery after I moved up here. My condolences go to Ken and the rest of the family.
George & Patricia Burgoyne
December 6, 2010
Knowing and working with Paulette was such a very great pleasure. Regardless of whether we were dealing with a great opportunity or an immence problem, she brought a positive attitude, great suggestions, and an infective, beautiful smile to help everyone get into a positive and productive approach.
While our skies became much grayer, Heaven was brightened immencely when Paulette passed from our world into the next.
Even the sunny winter skies of Arizona will not be as bright without having Paulette join us for lunch.
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