Edith May Paulson

Edith May Paulson was a strong, resilient woman who focused on her family while sustaining her own interests. Her upbringing and the events of life taught her to appreciate the good things she had and to make the most of matters when times were difficult. She was warm and creative, diligent and caring, passionate and full of life. To Edith, family and fun were synonymous. Edith was born at a time when America was emerging from the First World War and regaining industrial strength. Yet the economic depression that closed out the decade also shaped the character of its citizens. Strong Midwestern families, like William and Esther (Lofquist) Hartman, weathered many difficulties and shared numerous joys. One such delight was the birth of Edith May on February 19, 1923 in Muskegon, Michigan. To provide for their family, William worked at Shaw Walker and Esther worked at Amazon as a seamstress. She then became a full time homemaker to their five children: Winifred, Audrey, Edith, Robert and Barbara. When the family made a move to the country, it proved to be an excellent decision for the children. They loved the countryside, whether helping with chores around the house or spending endless hours outdoors. Even though they were growing up during the Depression, the closeness of family and the frugal habits they developed lasted a lifetime. Edith was especially close to her brother Robert, since they were just 18 months apart, all of the siblings pitched in together to make life pleasant, and Edith learned how to make a dollar go a long way. Edith, in High School, went to the Paper Mill to learn about secretary work. After graduating from Muskegon High School in 1941, Edith got a job at the Paper Mill. She was destined for a career in clerical work, but during times of recreation, she enjoyed roller skating most of all. One night after skating, she and her friends went to the dance hall, where she met a young man by the name of Bert Klemp. A romance blossomed as they dated for a time, but their relationship formed over the years Bert was in the Navy. The two of them kept in touch, but when his ship went down, they endured a long year with Bert on an island and Edith waiting for him to come home. When he finally did, they married and began their life together, first in California and then Colorado as Bert finished out his duties with the Navy. Family life was enriched by the births of three beautiful children: William, Judith and Patricia. But tragedy struck when their beloved husband and father passed away in 1962. Soon after, Edith and her children moved back to Muskegon, where they could be closer to family. As the sole supporter, Edith went to work at Muskegon Pattern Makers, and then with CWC Textron as an executive secretary. With significant responsibilities at work, Edith ran a taut ship at home. She was a strict parent, and the kids learned there was no bending the rules. Yet it was the stabilities of life that contributed most to their solid upbringing. Every evening, they sat down to dinner as a family, and Sundays found them in church together at First Congregational Church, where Edith was a member. With priorities in place, Edith was blessed by a rich family life that only became more fulfilling when she met Glenn Paulson. Ediths sister Winifred set her up on a blind date with Glenn. Whether she was reluctant or eager to go was of little significance once they met. Sparks flew between them, and for Edith it was love at first sight. She and Glenn were soon married on February 8, 1969, and a new adventure awaited both of them. Glenn was a square dancer, and in support of her husbands passion, Edith also became very interested in square dancing and round dancing. It didnt take long before they became avid dancers, traveling from one dance to the next, complete with their fancy outfits. It was great fun for both of them. When not on the go, Edith and Glenn enjoyed the comfort of a lovely home on Henry Street in Muskegon, just a stones throw from Hoffmaster State Park. It was the perfect place to host family that had grown to include grandchildren. Edith loved her grandkids and spent as much time with them as she could, whether babysitting or watching movies and eating popcorn. Because she enjoyed cooking, family gatherings always meant good food went along with backyard games and holiday celebrations. Still, with all her attention to family, Edith did not neglect her own spirit. She read a lot and composed poetryactivities that expanded her mind and deepened her soul. In retirement, Edith and Glenn were once again on the move. They traveled extensively, visiting their children, grandchildren and even nieces and nephews in California, Louisiana and Texas. They toured Disneyland, the Crystal Cathedral and Lake Tahoe, even playing some of the slot machines. Especially in Texas, they couldnt resist going square dancing, of course! They traveled so often, it made sense for them to buy a travel trailer so they could have a home away from home. They also wintered one year in Arizona and, for several years, attended a square dance camp in Florida. In other words, Have square dance, will travel. Edith and Glenn shared a wonderful life together until his passing on August 2, 2007. Her own health gradually declined, and Edith died Thursday, May 6, 2010 at the age of 87. She will be remembered for nurturing family life by her values, her faith, her hospitality and her joyous heart. Mrs. Edith M. Paulson is survived by her children, William (Karen) Klemp of Spring Lake, Judith Raymond of AZ, and Patricia Lamb of Muskegon; stepchildren, Ronald (Christine) Paulson of CA, Rebecca Schmitt of NM; 8 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; 5 step grandchildren; 8 step great grandchildren; siblings, Audrey Matuz of Muskegon, Robert (Laura) Hartman of Chicago, Barbara (James) Clark of Muskegon; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Bert Klemp; second husband, Glenn Paulson; sister, Winifred. The Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, May 11, 2010, 3:00 PM at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. John Koedyker officiating. Interment at Lakeside Cemetery. Visitation with the family is scheduled for Tuesday, 2-3 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorials in Mrs. Paulsons honor may be made to Hospice of North Ottawa. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.