She is preceded in death and was heartbroken by the loss of her mother Shyrl Sexton-Peterson, Sisters Kim Hafermann, (Brother-in-Law Steve Hafermann) and Robin Schiel, Brother Gary Swenson, and Father Robert Swenson.
Paula is survived by a community of artists, some of the most creative and talented minds. She is also survived, loved, and remembered by her Daughter Katie O'Connor (Logan Temple), Grandson Alecs O'Connor, Sister Gail (Wayne) Tonstad, Brother-in-Law Brent Thomton, Terri (Bill) Nygard, Mike Thomton, Eric Thomton, Jenae, Daniel, Joey, India, Severin, Solvei, Oden, and many nieces and nephews that she was so very proud of.
An artist foremost, she was also a beloved Mom, Nana, Grandma, Daughter, Aunt, and Sister. She was shy, strong, beautiful, and funny. I don't know that she ever really comprehended her reach or the profound effect she had on so many lives. I can picture her brushing that opinion off like one would brush off an errant insect. Paula enjoyed opening young minds to the vast world of art. She encouraged it. She planted it and nurtured it. She grew art into souls like flowers in a garden.
A memorial is being planned, and more details will come soon.
