Pauline "Pauli" Rose Kyburz

December 17, 1939 – January 11, 2024

Pauline “Pauli” Kyburz was born on December 17, 1939, in Albuquerque, NM, to Amelio Nasci and Zahia Rose Francis Nasci. She spent her early years living in Paguate, on a Native American reservation near Albuquerque, where her father ran the general store. The kid sister to older brothers Lewis and Milo, she grew up a bit of a tomboy. She loved the mountains and the outdoors, especially fishing.

After the family moved to Albuquerque, Pauli attended Bandelier Grade School, where she was described as a “cheerful, happy little worker, always finishing her tasks and doing them well.” Her teachers also made note of her gregarious nature, saying she “is doing very well in all of her work. She just needs to work more quietly at her table.” Pauli went to high school at St. Vincent Academy in Albuquerque, graduating in 1957, and attended the University of New Mexico.

On Christmas Day 1963, Pauli attended a party at her aunt’s house. Little did she know that she would meet the love of her life. Philip Kyburz worked with Pauli’s aunt and was also at the party. He struck up a conversation with her and they soon started dating. They were joined in holy matrimony on November 14, 1964, at St. Charles Borromeo Church. Three years later, Pauli and Phil welcomed their first son, Philip Paul Jr., into the world. Younger brother Randy followed in 1969.

Change was afoot in 1974. Phil’s employer, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, moved his office to Amarillo, TX, and the family relocated. Pauli and Phil joined St. Joseph Catholic Church and became mainstays in the choir. Pauli also participated in many church clubs and activities. Her Catholic faith was very important for her all her life. Both boys attended the parish school, so, of course, Pauli also worked there as an administrative assistant. Her sons are still convinced it was just so she could keep a watchful eye on their grade school antics. When she no longer felt obligated to monitor her boys, she worked at the U.S. Army Recruiting Company HQ as an administrative assistant.

Phil’s job moved them again in 1988, this time to Denver, CO. Pauli and Phil were both delighted that the mountains they both loved were now in their backyard instead of a vacation destination. While she was in Denver, she worked for the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, as a secretary for the Analysis, Contracts, and Land Division.

After Phil retired in 1990, they spent several happy years in Denver as a retired couple. In 2006, they moved to Post Falls, ID, to spend time with Pauli’s brother, Milo, and his wife, Paula. Although they were at a lower altitude, they were still in the mountains in a quiet and relaxed atmosphere they both enjoyed.

Pauli and Phil moved to Chateau Bothell Landing in 2013 for retirement community living and to be closer to their son Randy and his wife, Kolette. They easily settled into the area and joined the nearby St. Brendan’s Catholic Church. When she and Philip celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2014, Masses were held in their honor at the church they were married in, their first parish as a married couple, and in their current parish.

Pauli had always kept a soft spot for our furry little friends, especially those that purr or bark. She would stop what she was doing to give a passing cat or dog a pet or just to have a chat with it. Even though she had cats for many years, she continually told Phil they needed to get a puppy.

Pauli developed dementia and moved into memory care at Chateau Pacific in 2022. She was a very vocal and active participant in group activities and loved to interact with staff and visitors. The person responsible for the indoor garden at memory care was very surprised to learn that Pauli was not an avid, life-long gardener as she was always engaged and eager to participate and get her hands dirty with planting their garden.

Pauli passed away on January 11, 2024, at the age of 84. Her loving and gentle ways will be missed. Her funeral will be held January 31st at St. Brendan Catholic Church, 10111 NE 192 St, Bothell, WA. The rosary will be held at 10:30 and the funeral mass will begin at 11:00. A short reception at the church will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers and in respect for Pauli’s love of animals, please consider making a donation to Homeward Pet Adoption Center in Woodinville, WA.