Paulette Jessica Waggoner passed away at her home in Poulsbo on April 23, 2024, two days after celebrating her 90th birthday. Paulette lived a wonderful and happy life. She will be remembered for filling the world with laughter and joy. Her husband, Ross, proceeded her in death last year and now Heaven is rocking with the lovebirds reunited.

Paulette was born on April 21, 1934 in Pawtucket, RI. Her little sister, Emmary, was born seven years later and the family moved to the Seattle area in 1946. Paulette enjoyed staying active by swimming, bike riding, snow and water skiing, and playing cards.

After graduating from Garfield High School in 1951, Paulette attended Whitman College in Walla Walla where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry. At Whitman, she made lifelong friends with many of her TriDelta Sorority sisters and met her soulmate, Ross. They were married following graduation in the summer of 1955.

The newlyweds moved to Palo Alto, CA for a couple of years, but returned to Bellevue in 1957 to start their family. Paulette soon had her hands full raising three boys, Daniel, Bradley, and Kevin. Paulette instilled her adventurous spirit and appreciation for nature in her sons by involving them in sports, social events, and taking the family on camping and summer road trips.

After the family moved to Kingston in 1972, Paulette volunteered as a teacher aide at the local schools. As the boys were finishing college and high school, Paulette followed her passion for education by getting her teaching certificate from Seattle Pacific and teaching in the North Kitsap School District. She especially loved teaching at Wolfe Elementary in Kingston. After Paulette retired, she continued to substitute teach for many years. She was a local celebrity; kids of all ages always stopped her to say hi and get a big hug from their favorite teacher.

Paulette’s devotion for education extended to volunteering at the Delta Kappa Gamma Society empowering women who educate. She made lasting friends in the local Alpha Sigma chapter where she served as Treasurer, Secretary, and President. She also served for thirteen years as the Treasurer for the Rachel Roysten Scholarship Foundation.

There was nothing retiring about Paulette’s retirement. She was always on the go – traveling, visiting and hosting family and friends, playing pinocle, or researching genealogy. Those who were lucky enough to know Paulette will forever remember her warmth, gorgeous smile, and natural gift for making those around her feel incredibly special.

Paulette is survived by her sister Emmary, sons Daniel (Mae), Bradley (Helen), and Kevin (Susan), and her grandchildren Jessica, Samantha (Thomas), Brett, Alisha (Laik), Griffen and Holly, and great-grandson Reilly.

Family and friends will be celebrating Paulette’s life on May 31, at 2PM at Faith Episcopal Church in Poulsbo.

Donations in Paulette’s memory can be made to North Kitsap Schools Foundation.