Roberta Lillian "Bobbie" Paulson

Roberta Lillian Paulson, née Ahlstrom, lovingly known as Bobbie, died on March 13, 2020, in Arlington Heights, IL, at the age of 81 after a courageous battle with colon cancer. Born on September 10, 1938, in Chicago, IL, Bobbie grew up in a close-knit family and was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Margaret Ahlstrom; her sisters, Dorothy Petros and Joan Fini; and her brother, John Ahlstrom.

Bobbie attended Alexander Hamilton Elementary and Lake View High School in Chicago. She furthered her education at Wright College, earning an Associate's degree in Computer Science. Bobbie's career journey began as a homemaker and home typist, later transitioning to the corporate world where she made significant contributions at Kester Solder. She worked in various roles from the Export department to payroll, and finally pricing and sales in the Solder form department.

Her personal life was rich with interests and hobbies. Bobbie was an avid sewer, knitter, she liked to crochet, and she also enjoyed needlepoint. She loved scouring garage sales, shopping on eBay, and was a devoted collector of various items. Known for her love of Elvis Presley and The Chicago Cubs, Bobbie was also a NASCAR fan. Her enthusiasm for Christmas was infectious, as she adorned her home with festive lights and decorations every season, creating a magical Christmas scene that brought joy to many.

Bobbie's legacy is carried on by her loving family, including her husband James Paulson, son Michael Paulson; daughters Carole Prete, Margaret Montgomery, and Teresa Paulson; stepson James Barton; grandchildren Jim Paulson, Traci Veschak, William Szura Jr., Douglas Montgomery, Samantha Montgomery, Becky Orton, Danielle Paulson, Elizabeth Prete, the late Gregory Prete; and Benjamin Prete along with six step-grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 12 PM at Hackney's on Lake, 1514 E. Lake Ave., Glenview, IL. This service, long-awaited due to the initial restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, will finally provide an opportunity for friends and family to gather and remember Bobbie as she deserved.