Paulette Guichon Michalk

Paulette Guichon Michalk (September 3, 1937- January 9, 2026) was a quiet force of nature. Born in France and raised in an orphanage alongside her twin sister, Marinette, she survived World War II and, by 1960, the sisters had found their way to Napa Valley, California. Paulette would later move to East Tennessee to join her family, where she built a life grounded in resilience, independence, and quiet determination.

Never one to be limited by age or expectation, Paulette learned to drive a stick shift in her sixties. Well into her eighties, she remained an avid walker, faithfully logging three miles each day through Sequoyah Hills.

Paulette was a mother of four children: Virginia Ellis (Vincent), Phillis Burnett (Terry Adams), Paul Brogan (predeceased) and Danielle Michalk. She was a grandmother to Jessica Long (Brandon), Shane Brogan, Aubree Young (Coty), Sierra Brogan, Thomas Burnett (Gina) and Eston Ellis. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Keegan, Eliza, Grayson, Makalee, Myla, Braxton, Trevor, Bailey, Shannah, Trace, Urijah and Dacota.

Over a life that spanned eighty-eight years and two continents, Paulette experienced hardships and adventures worthy of a Hollywood story. Through every challenge and triumph, she remained steadfast and fiercely independent. In her final hours, her greatest wish was for her family to know how deeply she loved them.

A private graveside service will be held January 14, 2026 at 1:00 at Berry Highland South Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Paulette’s honor to Make a Wish Foundation of Knoxville.