Paula Pedersen Obituary

Paula Marie Pedersen

Oxnard - Paula Marie Pedersen, 82, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, elementary school teacher, and friend, passed away on February 10, 2021, after suffering a stroke. Paula will be remembered for her unconditional love; her dedication to her faith and family; and her strength and humor in the face of life's challenges. She is preceded in death by her husband, Lars Petter Pedersen; her father, Pietro Ciomei; her mother, Eleanor Cleary, and stepfather, "Pops" Cleary; her siblings Phyllis, Donald, and Dolores; and numerous dear family friends.

Paula was born January 9, 1939, in Kankakee, Illinois, where she was raised and developed lifelong bonds with her nieces and nephews (who call her by her childhood nickname, "Aunt Butchie"), and learned to play the piano. She attended St. Joseph Seminary, and graduated from the College of St. Francis (now called University of St. Francis), in Joliet, Illinois, in 1960, earning a degree in music and discovering a gift for teaching.

She and Lars married in 1965 and moved to Seattle before settling in Oxnard in 1968, where they raised six children. Paula was a devoted wife and mother, who prioritized family dinnertime; kept a clean, organized house; and welcomed friends as family. When Lars died of cancer in 1985, she found the strength to not only continue to raise their six children, but also care for her mother-in-law, Gudrun, and attend night school to earn her bilingual teaching credential.

Paula was a first-grade teacher for over 30 years, the majority of which were at Juanita Elementary School (later Cesar Chavez) in Oxnard School District. After her retirement, she continued as a reading specialist, a substitute, and a volunteer music teacher. Her passion for teaching was reflected in the many stories she delighted in retelling about students who found success in the classroom and beyond.

Paula was truly the center of her family, a generous host for every holiday gathering (where tables overflowed with food and lively conversation), a loyal friend, and a second mom to many, including her children's friends and exchange students. She was strong in her faith and a longtime parishioner at St. Anthony's Church in Oxnard. She was a breast cancer survivor.

During her retirement, she enjoyed walking her dog, completing crossword puzzles, traveling with family and friends (Hawaii, Italy, Mexico, Norway, Spain, Rhine River cruise), attending her grandchildren's special events, and lunching with friends.

She is survived by her six children: Eric Pedersen (daughter-in-law April Taylor), Scott Pedersen (daughter-in-law Danielle), Kirsten Solis, Liss Pedersen, Brian Pedersen (son-in-law David Merchant), and Michael Pedersen (daughter-in-law Cassandra); her 10 grandchildren: Alyssa, Zachary, Forrest, Alex, London, Devon, Danica, Lars, Brooklynn, and Olivia; numerous nieces and nephews; and dear family friends.

Friends are invited to visit with the family and participate in the recitation of the rosary on Tuesday, February 23rd at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 2511 S C St, Oxnard, CA 93033, from 3:30 pm to 6 pm with a rosary being recited at 4 pm. Mass will be held the following day, Wednesday, February 24th, at St. Anthony's Church, at 10 am.

Due to Covid mandate capacity is limited to 100 people at the church. You may also view the services via live stream by visiting www.reardonfh.com and clicking on her obituary page.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations be made to the American Cancer Society.