Virginia Jean Paulson Obituary (2026)

Jean Paulson was born in the fall of 1938 on October 7. She left us on Saturday September 12, 2026, right before the "leaves started dancing," which was how mom described fall, her favorite season. She loved the rich colors, the sky, pumpkin spice candles, taco soup, and making her house where we all wanted to be. She spent most of her childhood in Corvallis, Oregon and later attended Oregon State University, receiving a BA in Geology. Wanting adventure, Jean moved to NYC and accepted a stewardess job, during the glamour days of flying around the world with Pan American Airlines. Even though she knew of Dainard Paulson, the OSU football star, they actually met and fell in love in NYC during Dainard's career with the NY Jets. Jean and Dain raised their girls in Selah. In Selah, Jean worked as a paralegal, and then as the Women's Ministries Director at First Presbyterian Church in Yakima, taught adult Bible classes for many years. She somehow never missed any of her kids' or grandkids' events. For four decades of summers, Jean could be found at the Selah pool as a mom, swim coach, swimming instructor, stroke judge, water walker, grandma, and sun goddess. After a great run of 63 years of marriage (more than 50 of those years in Selah) with three daughters, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, we all grieve the loss of this beautiful, joyful, wise, loyal, woman. She loved us so much and so well. She was simply extraordinary. Jean is survived by her husband Dainard, her three daughters, Dana Anderson, Deri Kispert, and Kris Rees, her brother, Jim Wood, and the many others who loved her, admired her, and held her dear in their hearts. The family will be gathering for an intimate private time of remembrance and thanksgiving. The family would welcome your memories and stories about Jean which they will certainly share and cherish.