Susan Paalman Obituary

Susan D. Paalman Susan Dell Paalman, 62, went into the hands of God after a valiant battle against stage four lung cancer on October 6, 2012. She passed with her loving family by her side at her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Born in Hartford, Connecticut she moved to Southern California in her high school years and graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Susan had a successful career as a senior executive in the cosmetic industry and at that time met and married the love of her life Thomas Paalman. They were married 30 years and the last 14 years lived in Santa Fe. She spent some of her time working part time at Desert Son on Canyon Road. Susan was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, was an avid skier and very devoted to her two Labradors. Sue spent most of her time and energy traveling with her husband often to spend time with her family. She had an especially tender place in her heart for her grandchildren and was devoted to her mother until her last days. Her husband, Thomas Paalman; his children Koren Paalman and Russell Paalman and her grandchildren Maximillian Paalman and Francesca Paalman survive Mrs. Paalman. The gift of her life will be celebrated at of the First Presbyterian Church of Santa Fe Wednesday Oct 10, 2012. The family reception will be at 3 p.m. followed by the memorial service at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Interfaith Community Shelter in Santa Fe. Berardinelli Family Funeral Service 1399 Luisa Street, Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505)984-8600 Please sign our guestbook for the family at: www.berardinellifuneralhome.com

Published by Santa Fe New Mexican on Oct. 9, 2012.
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Dear Sue, You were a class act, an inspirational mentor to me. You helped shape me into the woman that I am today. Rest In Peace. You're always in my heart and prayers. I cherish our fond walks with the dogs, simple salad sunset dinners, and all that you taught me about grace, self-confidence, and kindness.

Amanda Dumenigo

Friend

October 3, 2020

Sue was one of the classiest woman I knew. I can't believe it has been 8 years. I think of her so often and miss her.

Elaine

Friend

October 3, 2020

Tom, All this time, I never knew. Heartbroken. Loved Sue.

Kim Hutchings

December 9, 2016

sue

i still think of you oftenespecially at certain times of the yearwhen it rainsor snowsas you loved that so muchwhen i go on new hikes that i know you would have lovedi know you are there in spiritand you are with your dogs now

February 12, 2015

For you and your family,Tom may you find the strength Sue would have wanted for you to move forward....one step at a time.

Keri lee -body

November 9, 2012

Tom, no words for a time like this, but please know that our family has you and yours in our prayers.

Lesley Roddick

October 15, 2012

Tom -
We're sorry for your loss, we will pray that the Guardian Angels give you and your family strength, peace and comfort during this time of sorrow.

Carol Adams

October 11, 2012

My deepest sympathy and love to you Tom and to your family. My prayers and love are with you. God Bless!

Love - Shannon Hamilton xx

Shannon Hamilton

October 11, 2012

To the family of Sue Paalman I want to add my deepest sympathy at this time. I know her passing will be a great loss for all of you and my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Carol Maes

October 11, 2012

Tom,

So sorry to hear about Susan. You and your family are in my thoughts.

Will Greene

October 10, 2012

May the Lord be of comfort to you and your family in your time of great sorrow.

Mae Evans

October 10, 2012

Tom,

This is such a sad and difficult thing for you and yours. May God deliver the help to pass through this valley.

Carlton

October 10, 2012

Tom~ Thinking about you, God Bless

Debbie Lasell

October 10, 2012

Tom,

I am deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I know Sue was loved by many, and touched many people's lives, and she will be deeply missed. May you rely on God and those closest to you for the strength to push through the greif and sorrow, and to remember Sue the way she was during your many years together.

Katie Shaw

October 10, 2012

Tom, So sorry to hear of Susan's passing. Prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this time.

Cheri Berry

October 10, 2012

Tom,
My deep sympathy, prayers are with you and your family.
Herb

Herb Workman

October 10, 2012

At what must be the most difficult time in your life, please accept our deepest sympathy to the entire Paalman family.
Salli & Charlie Conlen

October 10, 2012

Lynne and I offer our deepest sympathy to Tom and the entire family.

Victor Gassman

October 10, 2012

Tom,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
God Bless,
Dean and Marilyn

October 10, 2012

It is hard for me to imagine my life without Sue. Sue took me in– in many ways– that have left a lasting imprint in my very being. Her warmth and aesthetic sensibilities made me feel as though I'd entered a beautiful, safe realm in the midst of my own transient early-20's upheaval. In Sue's home-sanctuary, I could endure the harsh reality of "growing-up", of my mother dying, and the drama and inevitable demise of youthful romances. Her calmness and efficiency tempering my restlessness and rebellion with her complete acceptance, understanding, guidance and perhaps most importantly, inspiration. These pillars saw me through my 20's and 30's. Sue inspired me to be grow– to become more responsible, organized, generous, graceful & independent (still working on some of those...)–just a few of the qualities that I love about her. Sue's tender relationship with Tom served as irrefutable truth that a deeper romantic-relationship, one based not only passion, but on mutual respect, freedom, and deep friendship, is in fact possible (still working on some of those).
And now, about to enter my 40's, am sad and afraid that Sue won't be t-here– yet I'm comforted by all she's taught me & by many of the books she gave me over the decades–
The Four Gifts, The Secret Life of Bees, There's No Such Place as Far Away, etc– Sue, you are with me always.
"It is God who comes to you in the guise of a true and noble friend to serve, inspire, & guide you." –Paramahansa Yogananda
Gratefully,
Amanda

Amanda Dumenigo

October 9, 2012

Tom, praying that the Holy Spirit wraps you all tightly in His comfort and love. Rejoice in the knowledge that Sue is in the Lord's presence. Love and prayers be with you and your family.

Nancy Migneault

October 9, 2012

Tommy.... Katrina, Sebastian and I are praying for God to reach down and deliver peace and comfort to you and your family at this very moment. Sue will be missed but we all are looking forward to the reunion to come one day in Heaven....

Dean Costales

October 9, 2012

I am so saddened by Sue's passing. What an elegant, classy woman. She will be missed and remembered with love.

Elaine Waters

October 9, 2012

Tom, Our thoughts and hearts are with you and your family during this difficult time. We love you.

Angie Medrano

October 9, 2012

Our hearts go out to you, Tom. We'll be with you in spirit on Weds. Lots of love from the Montana "cousins", JeanAnne and Jim

JeanAnne Swope

October 9, 2012

Tom, sending prayers and love to you and your family.

Jessica West

October 9, 2012

I will miss Sue and her laughter, and of course, our dinners.

Bill Thornton

October 9, 2012

My Prays and thoughts are with you and your family, Sue~ your smile will always be missed in our office...
Love Debbie Lasell and Family

October 9, 2012

Sue Paalman...you have been a inspiration to me. Dignity and elegance. You will be missed by many. Love and prayers to all of your family.

Julie Reed

October 8, 2012

The world has lost a bright, shining light, but she will continue to burn brghtly in our hearts and memories. Tom, thank you for sharing this lovely lady with all of us - we will miss her dearly. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love to you all.

Sue Keadle

October 8, 2012

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