Raymond Edward Paulhus

Raymond Edward Paulhus, 81, passed away peacefully at home on March 22, 2025, after a long illness due to complications from Agent Orange exposure during his Army service in the Vietnam War. Ray was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island and was a native of North Smithfield, born to the late Lawrence Edward Paulhus and Pauline Lefort Paulhus on October 5, 1943. After graduating from Rhode Island College, he attended the University of Rhode Island, receiving a Masters Degree in Political Science. Ray followed in his father’s footsteps, spending decades involved in union causes. This included work with the United Farmworkers in California and organizing textile mills in the 1970s. After living in several cities, his work brought him to Louisiana, where he met his wife and was welcomed into her large extended family. He lived most of his life in Metairie, followed by his most recent years in Vancouver, Washington, near his daughter and her family.

Ray retired after working 31 years as an Unemployment Fraud Investigator for the State of Louisiana's Department of Labor. While in that role, he served as a leader in his local chapter of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Ray was a devout Catholic and Boston sports fan. He particularly loved watching games with his grandsons and playing with his granddaughters, even being known to don a pink apron to cook with baby dolls. Ray was also a great lover of animals and rescued many cats.

He is survived by his beloved wife and tireless caregiver of 47 years, Betty Ann Meynier Paulhus; caring son Michael Edward Paulhus and his wife Marie-Elysse of Atlanta, Georgia; and his devoted daughter and nurse advocate Melanie Ann Brawley and her husband, Matthew, of Vancouver, Washington. He is also survived by his four cherished grandchildren: Benz Matthew Brawley, Boston Edward Brawley, Caroline Paulhus, and Elizabeth Paulhus; his supportive brothers Robert Paulhus (Maria) of Terceira, Azores, and Gerald Paulhus (Lucille) of Smithfield, Rhode Island; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors.

The family wishes to sincerely thank Commander Larry Jones and the US Department of Veterans Affairs, Dr. Ricky Jackson, Divine Home Health Care, and all of his many caregivers for their compassion and diligent care over the past decade.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 3310 Jefferson Hwy, on April 4 at 10 am, with visitation beginning at 9 am. Entombment will follow in Lake Lawn Park Cemetery, 5454 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to his favorite non-profit cat rescue, Spaymart.org. To sign and view the Family Guestbook, please visit https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/new-orleans-la/raymond-paulhus-12307290.