|
Terry Paulsen passed away peacefully in his sleep at the Bear Creek Nursing and Rehab Center in Hudson, Fl after a slow decline in health. His lifelong passion and career were Latin and standard ballroom dancing, introduced to him as a young adult through lessons provided by his mother Elva. Terry soon moved from California to the West Coast of Florida where he perfected his dancing skills and taught at various dancing schools for adults, such as the Fred Astaire Dance Studios. He met his wife, Maria, while teaching, who was soon to become his wife and life-long dance partner. Maria was cute and petite and also an avid dancer. They were a beautiful dance team. He would hoist her up and swing her around while performing different dance movements. Terry was tall, handsome, and stately and a favorite among his female dance students. He and Maria performed together in televised dance competitions winning various trophies and awards over the years.
Terry is predeceased by his mother, Elva, father, Clarence, and various Paulsen family members. He is survived by his sister, Luella, nephew, Rafael, and nieces, Elva and Genny.
Submitted by Luella Paulsen, Terry's sister, LAHS class of 1962.
|
Sherry Meredith (Ginn)
I got to know Terry in 1960, just after he and Luella had come to LAHS. Luella and I had met by our lockers, soon becoming good friends. Terry’s smile and positive outlook brightened everyone’s day, and he was an appreciative judge of our early batches of homemade cookies. It wasn’t easy, Luella told me, arriving in their junior year, with many kids like me knowing classmates as far back as kindergarten (Hillview School). It was interesting that my family, like hers, had moved to Los Altos from Palo Alto, and I had had to adjust to a new kindergarten. It turns out that my family and the Paulsens had lived close to one another for a short time in the 40s but had never met.
I’ve been touched by the caring that Luella has shown Terry on her visits to Florida, recently by his side during his last days. Sherry Meredith (Ginn)
Susan Mack (Sugden)
We all know that Terry is waltzing around in the clouds & stars, carrying on what he loved in life. Condolences to his family & many friends. Sue (Mack) Sugden
Steve Flamer
Dancers have the most fun. Peace be with Terry.
Doug Gordon
Terry was my best friend at LAHS. We had great times together; such as changing engines in his '58 Chevy, major trimming on an oak tree over his mothers greenhouse (that almost ruined both the greenhouse and my dad's car in the process), and painting a crosswalk in front of LAHS so we wouldn't have to walk to San Antonio or El Monte to cross legally. Subsequently, the city apparently agreed with us and painted it officially. I never told anybody until now, but after 63 years we shouldn't get in trouble. He even set up a blind date with the first girl I married. I was lucky to visit him in Florida with my new wife this February and to enjoy recalling our good times together.