Dolly Paulson, 83, of Esko, Minn. went home to be with the Lord on March 20, 2019. The Lord lovingly orchestrated Dolly’s passing, allowing her to know to her last breath how much she was admired and loved by her family and friends. Now in Heaven, Dolly rejoices that she can move freely without pain, think clearly and perhaps attend an auction.

She married Ralph Paulson on June 19, 1954 in Cloquet. Through courage and strength, she and Ralph raised their family. Her grandchildren were a special joy. A favorite for them was attending tea parties at Grandma’s dressed in period clothes. Although leaving a legacy of love and compassion, Dolly was much like a pioneer woman, she had “true grit.” She guided us all.

Dolly is fondly remembered and admired for her 23-year career helping people navigate the challenges of selling or buying a home. In her community of Esko, she is remembered for her tireless promotion of community education. She founded the local paper, Esko’s Corner, which is still in print today.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Giles Johnson; and sisters Faye, Phyllis and Aryls.

Dolly is survived by her husband, Ralph, with whom they would have celebrated their 65th anniversary on June 19; sons Jason (Julianne) of Esko, Ralph Jr. (Andrea) of Cloquet, and Scott (Margaret) of Duluth; grandchildren Laura (Eric) Olson, Susan (Luke) Boe, Nicholas Paulson and Thaddeus (Samantha) Paulson; two great-grandchildren, Rowan and Sylvia; and a sister, Eileen Shotley of Sioux Falls, S.D.

Visitation: 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. memorial service Saturday, March 30 in Atkins-Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th St., Cloquet.

In lieu of memorials, at Dolly’s request, give a flower to someone you love.

To leave an online tribute, see http://www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com.

As Dolly so frequently said, “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning how to dance in the rain.”