Paula Marie Williamsen

Paula was born on November 20, 1942, in Saratoga Springs, NY, the daughter of Paul and Beulah Armstrong. One of five sisters, she graduated from St. Peters Academy in 1960. After graduation, she worked as a switchboard operator for AT&T before becoming an Administrative Assistant at General Electric’s Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory in West Milton, NY.

In May 1964, Paula married the love of her life, Charles T. “Chuck” Williamsen, and they relocated to Idaho Falls, Idaho, where they began their family. In 1971, the family moved to Burnt Hills, NY (near Schenectady). Paula dedicated herself to raising her two children, Kristy and Doug, and managing the household. Later, as her children grew, she earned her realtor and broker’s licenses and designed, made and sold unique handcrafted items.

One of Paula’s greatest joys was spending summers at Lake George with family and friends. Together with Chuck, she enjoyed many years of camping and boating. In 1978, they purchased a lovely home on the lake in Bolton Landing, NY, which became a cherished gathering place for decades. Paula was also a devoted caregiver, especially to her son Doug, who was seriously injured during his senior year of high school. With unwavering love and strength, she cared for him daily until his passing in 1990.

Upon Chuck’s retirement in 1998, Paula and he moved to Fort Myers, FL, to be closer to their daughter Kristy, son-in-law Jeff, and grandchildren Katie and Matt. Paula continued making memories with family and friends in both Fort Myers and Lake George. She shared a passion for golf and boating and was an active member, alongside Chuck, of the Royal Palm Yacht Club, Southwest Florida Yacht Club, SeaRayders Boat Club, and Town & River Cruise Club.

Paula touched many lives with her love of cooking, sewing, dancing, and entertaining, always welcoming others with hospitality, creativity, humor, and a generous spirit. She was also a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, an organization she valued for its dedication to honoring our nation’s heritage. Her connection to DAR reflected her respect for history and pride in her family’s legacy (Scott).

Paula was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Beulah Armstrong; her son, Doug Williamsen; and sisters Marcia Vaness, Judy Toussant, and Toni Treadway. She is survived by her husband of over 61 years, Chuck Williamsen; daughter Kristy Rigot (Jeff); grandchildren Katie and Matt Rigot; sister Terrie Boisseau; and several nieces and nephews (Bowes, Damron, Lee, Toussaint).

A Celebration of Life will be held at Hodges -Kiser Funeral Home, 9231 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33919 on Saturday, October 18th at 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (ceremony at noon) and in Lake George Summer 2026 (date tbd).

Those wishing to honor Paula’s memory are encouraged to donate to the Golisano Children’s Hospital’s Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Center (PPECC), a cause dear to Paula’s heart. She devoted ten years as a volunteer there, bringing love and joy to children and families facing medical challenges and was honored as “Volunteer of the Year.” Donations may be made online at leehealthfoundation.org/donate or by mail to Lee Health Foundation, 9800 S. HealthPark Drive, Suite 405, Fort Myers, FL 33908. Please note “PPECC in memory of Paula Williamsen” in the memo line.