Obituary for Paulette “Paula” Kay See

Paulette “Paula” Kay (Fischer) See was a witty and outspoken lady who served many roles in life: daughter, sister, wife,grandma, great-grandma, teacher, churchgoer, thrifter, and friend. Her three daughters called her simply “Mom.” Born to Ott and Cookie Fisher in Carroll, Iowa on August 9, 1947, Mom graduated Garrigan High School in 1965, was a proud member of Beta Sigma Phi, worked as a para-educator, and treasured her lifelong relationships with her 91 first cousins and family-friends, including Brian, Carol, Linda, Mary Ellen, Eva, and Marilyn. 

Mom was a curious and brave woman known for her independence, commitment to and participation in the Catholic church, love of Diet Coke, and range of hobbies, including genealogy, diamond art, puzzles, cribbage, antiquing, softball, gardening, and more. She taught her family and friends many things, including the importance of family traditions, couponing, and advocating for ourselves. A proud German who loved chocolate, all things purple, and anything rainbow-colored, Mom never met a stranger and lived life her way. 

She married Norman Boleyn in 1968. They later divorced. She married Gary See in 1973. Paula, Gary, and their three daughters made Mt. Pleasant, Iowa ‘home’ for 20 years. Mom moved to Algona a few years after her divorce from Gary to take care of her aging parents. In 2024, Mom moved to Sunrise Terrace Nursing Center in Winfield, Iowa. This endeared her to a whole new community and brought her closer to her family, particularly her grandkids and great grandkids. 

Mom passed away on August 6, 2025, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, surrounded by loved ones. She was reunited in heaven with her parents and younger brothers, Kenny and Randy, who died from cystic fibrosis when she was just seven. She will be missed by her family on earth: children; Carrie and Wayne Hester, Theresa Fisher and Mitchell Trotman, Becky See and Ben Mitchell,  grandchildren; Tyler Wade and Kayla Brake, Randy and Kaitie Wade, Nathan and Shyanne Hester, Katie Wade, and great grandchildren Taylor Wade, Colt Hester, and Junior Wade.

Though she struggled with health issues throughout her life, Mom loved to laugh. We’ll remember her most for her singular, relentless, loving, and spicy personality. 

Per her wishes, a gravesite memorial service will be held in Templeton, Iowa at a later date. Paula requested donations in support of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This can be done online at https://www.cff.org/chapters/iowa-chapter or checks mailed to 1501 42nd St, Suite 230, West Des Moines, IA, United States, 50266.