ELIZABETH C PAULSEN (SULLIVAN)

Elizabeth C. “Betty” (Sullivan) Paulsen, 92, of Auburn, died peacefully in her home on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.

Betty was predeceased by her husband Bob to whom she was married for sixty years. Together they raised ten children– Elizabeth, Karen, Donna, Robert, Darrell, Thomas, Mary, Kevin, David, and John. She also leaves behind 29 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Betty was born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts by her parents Michael and Helen Sullivan of County Cork, Ireland. Upon earning her degree at secretarial school, she worked at Otis Elevator before taking an administration position for a four-star general in the Department of War. While serving in this position in Bogata, Colombia, she met her husband, Bob, and began their long life together.

Always wanting to be active, Betty worked at the Furniture Loft when her youngest was in kindergarten, then worked for the U.S. Census Bureau, before working as a “patient” in medical schools at Harvard, Tufts, and others throughout Massachusetts until she was 85 years old. Her duties as an acting patient were to provide feedback for the future doctors on their bedside manner. This was a role she was born for. She loved traveling, dancing, and singing to herself around the house. A fixture at her kid’s practices, concerts, and games, she continued this practice with her grandkids whenever possible.

Betty had a great sense of humor and enjoyed a good laugh. Her quick wit and off the cuff remarks will be missed by all who knew her. What will be remembered most by those that knew her well and those who only knew her in passing is that she always carried herself with poise and grace and a smile on her face. She was fiercely independent and lived a life many women of her time weren’t always granted. Whether it be traveling with her girlfriends to the Caribbean or going to Madison Sq. Garden to watch the NIT basketball tournament in the 1950’s, Betty was going to do what she wanted no matter what.

Her faith was dear to her, and her spot in the fourth pew at North American Martyrs church will always be hers. For many years she took it upon herself to help local Worcester County families with a Secret Santa gift program at her church. She loved doing this each year and would rally her family to help with the tree setup and decorating. She did this with a humility only she could.

Standing a diminutive 5’1”, Betty never flinched at what life had to offer, but carried herself and her family with strength and dignity. She will be dearly missed by all.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Betty’s family from 4 – 7 PM on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at the Britton-Wallace Funeral Home, 91 Central Street, Auburn. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at North American Martyrs Church, 8 Wyoma Drive, Auburn. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.