Paula Keiser Obituary

Paula Elizabeth Keiser Paula Elizabeth Keiser, 69, Topeka, passed away May 13, 2013, after a brief illness. She was born July 19, 1943 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, the eldest child of William M. Keiser, Sr. and Mary (Magee) Keiser. She graduated from Edison (NJ) High School in 1961. Paula served in the U.S. Air Force from 1961 1965. She married Nancy Orton in 1968. They later divorced. Nancy died in 2010. Paula met her current life partner, Mary Haller, in 1996. Paula worked for broadcast stations in Michigan and New Jersey. She spent 25 years at NJ Public TV in engineering and web design, retiring in January, 2007. In May, 2007, she and Mary moved to Topeka, where Paula designed and maintained websites for various nonprofit organizations. Paula was transgender and transitioned in 1987. She became active in organizations dealing with issues affecting transgender persons, including TYFA (Trans Youth Family Allies), and was President of K-STEP (Kansas Statewide Transgender Education Project). She did K-STEP presentations to educate college students and other Kansans about transgender issues. Paula enjoyed amateur radio, barbershop music, and old-time radio. Her sense of humor was contagious, and she could give a song or one-liner when people least expected it. Paula was a member of Lowman United Methodist Church, serving on the Board of Trustees and the Publicity/Technology Team. She maintained Lowman s website and designed power points for Sunday and Wednesday services. She will be greatly missed by her Lowman family. Paula is survived by her devoted partner, Mary, their cockers Gidget and Quincy and cat Culprit; son Paul and fianc e Danielle (MI); daughter, Valerie (CA); sister, Jeanne Edmondson (TN); grandchildren Liam and Courtney; and numerous other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by a sister, Marianne Thompson. Paula was cremated. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, May 18, at Lowman UMC, 4000 Drury Lane, Topeka, KS. Inurnment will occur later. Memorial contributions may be made to Lowman United Methodist Church or to TYFA (www.imatyfa.org). Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is assisting with arrangements. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com Paula Elizabeth Keiser

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Published by Topeka Capital-Journal on May 16, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Paula Keiser

7 Entries

Richard Tharp

May 17, 2013

Dear Mary and family of Paula and Mary:

I am so sorry for your loss. It just doesn't seem fair when bad things happen to good people, and I imagine it's hard to make sense of it all in the midst of such shock, pain and loss.

Paula demonstrated incredible courage and grace through her life to face challenges most of us will never fully grasp, and did so with bravery, good humor, and a sense of adventure. In the process she helped others buck up to their various hurdles, even though that was not the easy path. We would all do well to face our own challenges so adroitly.

Please know you are in our prayers in the difficult days and months to come. May you attain the peace that passeth all understanding, and know that love never ends. "Hooray for Paula! Hooray at last!"

Love,
Rich and family

Charles Loughery

May 16, 2013

I had the privilege of knowing and working with Paula for many years at NJ Public Broadcasting. Paula was always a champion for the things she believed in whether it be transgender issues, ham radio or just plain old everyday work. I am saddened to hear of her passing. My prayers go out for her family, loved ones and friends at this sad time.

Resa Boydston

May 16, 2013

I am at a loss of words and don't know what to say to you to help you feel better. Please accept my condolences anyway. I'll be praying for you.

Kari Sparks

May 16, 2013

Paula made it her mission to make a difference in this world and her advocacy work along with her kind spirit will always live on. My sympathies to Mary, Paul, Valerie and her many many friends. I am very glad that Lexie, Kylee and I were fortunate enough to know her.

Alan Keiser Williams

May 16, 2013

Sorry to see that Paula passed away. I am his first cousin. I knew both his mother and father very well.

Rev. Moonhawk River Stone

May 16, 2013

I am so sad to hear of Paula's passing from us so unexpectedly and suddenly. Paula was a wonderful champion for transgender people, especially transgender children. Her enthusiasm, devotion to them will be very missed. I could always count on her cheerfulness when seeing her at conferences. She uplifted so many by her work and her example. My heart goes out to her partner Mary and her children and grandchildren at this sad time. God surely blessed us well with Paula. May our memories of Paula and the certainty of God's Presence bless us during this time of deep sadness.

Penny Maroldo

May 16, 2013

I met Paula many years ago when she lived in Forked River, NJ. I know she touched a lot of lives and will be missed by so many who loved her. My heart goes out to Val and Paul and Mary and the entire family. Paula leaves a legacy of strength and courage and grace in the face of challenge. Her faith kept her strong in the wind. May she rest in the arms of her Savior and reunited with those who saved her a seat in heaven.

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