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Paula Connors Obituary
Born and raised in San Francisco to Albert and Harriett Lee Atkinson, Paula moved to the East Bay in the late 1960s and began a long career in medical billing. She worked for Alameda County Medical Center, San Francisco General Hospital (1985-1995), and later as an independent contractor for various hospitals and billing firms.
A proud lifelong Democrat, Paula was passionate about political activism, raising orchids, traveling -visiting China, the Philippines, Alaska, and more-and enjoyed casino trips with friends. Known for her outgoing nature, Paula "never knew a stranger," striking up conversations wherever she went and forming many lasting friendships.
Following the passing of her beloved husband of 28 years, James Connors, and facing health challenges, Paula moved to Minnesota in 2017 to be with family, though her heart remained in the San Francisco Bay Area and Lake County, CA.
She is survived by her daughter Renee (Gregg) Dawson; grandchildren Rachael Rich, Elliott Phelps, and John Dawson; nieces Ann Compton and Claudia Frazeur; nephew John Atkinson, Jr.; and two women she embraced as daughters, Janice Coleman and Rosa Castaneda. She also leaves behind the lifelong friendship of the Random family of Berkeley, CA.
Per her wishes, there will be no public memorial. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in her name to Ukrainian Fighter Aid Charities, PBS, NPR, or any Veterans of America organizations.
Special thanks to Joan Petersen, Paula's dear friend, for her loving help with this obituary.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Renee Dawson
June 25, 2025
Mom, Missing our wine time together.
Donna Holmes nee Random
June 16, 2025
I always considered Paula a bonus sister and am proud to have been the Random that brought her home to our family. We met while I was in high school and working part-time for Woolworth's and Paula was working for Retail Clerks Union. We initially bonded over trying to organize several stores. Our lives were intertwined ever since and mine was enriched by her. It is hard to imagine the world without Paula but I can picture her in heaven with my folks and Larry having a loving reunion. She will always be in my heart.
Toni Lajoie
May 23, 2025
My Condolences to Renee, on the loss of your mom, family members and friends. Paula was funny and kind. She reached out to me when Michael Connors, my husband died 2 years ago. Since Michael and Jimmy, Paula´s husband were brothers that makes Paula my sister in law. I am honored for that relationship.
Toni Lajoie
Suzzanne Kaplan
May 22, 2025
Paula was the best friend I have ever had. She was a human-being who cared deeply about her family, friends, our country, our democracy, and the people of the world. There was not an once of selfishness in her and that is a rear thing these days. I am going to miss our long talks on all those subjects. She traveled to many different country and found something of beauty in each place. I know if there is a God she now sits beside him. Her soul was full of goodness. She was kind, she was loving and at the same time a strong force not to be ignored.
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