Paulette Bruce

Paulette was one of only 2 REALLY POPULAR girls in the class of '62, East Bakersfield High School. Starting freshman year she always had dates to the REALLY IMPORTANT DANCES. I watched & envied her, copying whatever I could copy. She had a huge circle of friends, & I remember when she was in sight, there would be shouts of "Hey, Bosco!" coming from every direction. She was eminently friendly, her laughter full-throated & genuine.
By our senior year Paulette & I, & 3 other girls, one of whom was the other of the 2 REALLY POPULAR girls mentioned above. That year was thrilling, fun & memorable. I copied Paulette's famous short pixie hair cut in 1961-62 & kept it until 1967.
Our paths diverged but we did meet at a class reunion in Bakersfield, but I forget the year. She was beautiful as ever with those deep, Hershey's chocolate eyes. We spoke briefly early in the evening, & when I looked for her later hoping really to catch up, she had left.
I enjoyed her during those wonderful, heady days of high school before Title IX, when cheer leaders made their own pom-poms & designed & sewed their own outfits. I am convinced Paulette sewed hers herself. Pom-pom making was done at the table in Paulette's kitchen. When she was recovering from an operation, her whole house was full of EB's class of '62 including Steve Gradowitz, her "steady" & other admirers.
I guess over the years we sort of flirted around the edges of each other's sphere, Tahoe, Sacramento, but I didn't see her for many years. However, somehow my world was better when I knew she was in it.
Teddy Brown Harrison

Paulette was a lovely woman. Even in college, when the rest of us we´re just girls, she was already a lovely woman. She was also a kick to be with! As my roommate in our sorority house we had many a late night sitting on our beds laughing and telling stories. Several people knew I had been looking to reconnect with Paulette and it was with great sadness that I received her obituary. It helps to see what a beautiful and fulfilling life she lived. My love to her family and friends.

Paulette was a good friend for so many years and it breaks my heart to know she's gone. That girl was one-of-a-kind and I am just so sad upon hearing the news.

Paulette was an amazing person in every way. She was an unparalleled cooking teacher and a loyal, unwavering friend. I miss her so much, especially her wonderful laugh and zest for life.

I met Paulette Bruce many years ago but seems like yesterday. My neighbor, Leslie Wheary, knew her and about her and her children’s involvement in the Fair Oaks Co-op Preschool. We met up at Fair Oaks Park with our children. I was embraced by Paulette’s enthusiasm and love of life. Her son Rob was then in elementary school and her twins Kevin and Michael were my daughter’s, Pettit Gilwee, peers. We had a glorious sunny day together and Leslie and I joined the preschool. At one point, Paulette held a meeting in her home for those of us in advisory positions and our very dear Dorothy Burns, the teacher who embraced our children and parents. Paulette’s vacuum had broken down so she told us that she crawled all over the carpet to pick it clean. After our meeting, she served us homemade eclairs!
Paulette loved my daughter. When my daughter went into Public Relations at North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, she contacted Paulette about PR. Paulette invited her for a day of PR with her. Due to Paulette, my daughter opened her own PR Business in Tahoe City.
I was stunned to read about Paulette’s death in the East Sacramento Magazine. She is such a beautiful, giving woman. It seems like yesterday that we were all so young with our children and our parent bonding at FO Preschool.
Paulette went on to do so many wonderful, extraordinary roles.
I am so grateful to have known her.
My blessings to all her family, extended family, and all the people she touched in her life.

Warm hugs delicious kitchen and love. These are things I remember about the beautiful warm woman, who I met as a very young child in preschool. Thank you for all the warm hugs and love you showed me every time we crossed paths. Love to the boys and your family in this sad difficult time.
Coley Keller

Sorry to hear of Paulette's passing. We grew up together on East 21st a block apart. Went all thru to school together. Had a crush on her in the seventh grade. My condolences to family and may she rest in peace.

Nick Marantos

Effervescence is what comes to mind when I think of Paulette.
Her engaging and enthusiastic spirit will live on forever in those who knew her.

She will be dearly missed. Paulette was a wonderful teacher, mother and role model. ❤

Paulette was a friend for over 40 years. Her smile would light up a room. She was so genuine inside and out! It was a pleasure to be her friend!