Paulette Grouda

Paulette Marie Grouda

March 2, 1954 - August 27, 2017

It is with deepest sorrow, the family of Paulette Marie Grouda wish to announce her sudden passing on August 27th, 2017 in Thunder Bay. She was born on March 2nd, 1954 in Baudette, Minnesota. She was predeceased by her father and mother-in-law, Winnie Olson, and cat Tanya.

Left to mourn is her loving spouse of 45 years, Don Olson; her step-daughter, Dawn (Roger); step-son, David (Pat); granddaughter, Makenna; grandsons, Jordan, Brady, and Taylor; great-grandchildren, Ella, Autumn and Cashden; and her cat Tekha.

Paulette's mother, Ilene Sutherland (Jensson); step-father, Donny Sutherland; brothers, Walter and Daniel Grouda; sister, Darlene MacGillis; brother-in-law, Danny MacGillis; nephews, Teddy and Matthew; aunt, Caroline Gate; uncles, Bill Gate and Ed Daignault; and 15 first cousins.

Paulette lived in Rainy River and attended school there, completing grade 7. She moved with her family to Keewatin in 1967 and resided there until her untimely death. She graduated from Grade 8 at Keewatin Public School. While attending Beaver Brae High School she was freshie Queen.

At 18 years of age she began her career at Jaffray Mellick town office, eventually becoming Deputy Clerk attaining her A.M.C.T. designation, moving to Kenora City Hall in 2000 due to amalgamation, and working as the mayor's executive assistant until her retirement. After her retirement, she continued to work as a secretary for the Police Board and was custodian of the Shaw office for the rest of her life. Her days were jam packed with her volunteer work as vice president of the Lake of the Woods Historical Society at the Mather Walls house for approximately 20 years. Paulette was a compassionate friend to many. She practiced piano every day and enjoyed having tea with friends and watching Coronation Street.

Paulette loved old homes and restoration. Her and Don spent many hours extensively remodeling their home and cottage. We will all miss her gifts of knitted sweaters and slippers. She worked for many hours preparing Norwegian food for Christmas, goose for New Years, and canning everything in sight.

Summer was her favourite season filled with swimming (at least three times a day), fishing, time at their island cottage, and driving her sea-doo and white convertible year-round. She loved to visit with family and friends, bringing laughter and fun to all those she met. Paulette loved to dance. She had spunk, dresses for every occasion, and could be seen doing a cartwheel throughout her life. She never seemed to age.

We will greatly miss Paulette's zest for life.

Funeral services were held on Friday September 1st, 2017 at 2:00 pm at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre in Kenora. In lieu of flowers, donations

can be made to the Cat Shelter or the Mather Walls Historical House.

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

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