Paulette Mahaley

Paulette Mahaley, age 65, of Grants Pass, died Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at her home.

A memorial service will be at 4:30 p.m., Saturday, November 2, 2013 at Hull & Hull Funeral Directors with Pastor Ron Hayworth officiating.

Contributions may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of the Rogue Valley, 203 SE 9th Street, Grants Pass, Oregon 97526

Paulette was born October 31, 1947 in Grants Pass and lived here all of her life. She graduated from Grants Pass High School, Class of 1965 where she was a Majorette. After high school she married John Mahaley in June 1966. Paulette continued her education at SOC (now Southern Oregon University) and in 1975 received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. For 34 years she worked for South Middle School where she taught mostly 6th grade and just recently retired. Her co-workers at South were like a second family to her.

Paulette loved her corvette and Mickey Mouse. She enjoyed walking her dog, her animals over the years and many different outdoor activities. She especially loved her family and visiting her nephew and grandniece.

Paulette’s passion was caring and helping others, especially children. As a teacher, she connected with kids in surprising ways such as opening her room everyday at lunch. Students knew that her room was a safe place and she always welcomed them with a hug and a smile. She went above and beyond for all students. When parents weren’t able to come for parent/teacher conferences she would go to their home. She was a sports coach for athletic teams at South. For many years during the summer, Paulette volunteered to host Power Camp for at-risk incoming students. They spent a week in her classroom preparing for the upcoming year and how to succeed in middle school. She often provided them with supplies for the week as well as the school year and the culmination of the camp was a swim party at her home. This was a highlight of the year for many of these students. Paulette was a dedicated teacher, loved children and always offered a smile, her friendship, and her teaching expertise to 34 years of students at South Middle School.

Survivors include her sister, Carol Dittmer and husband, Jim of Grants Pass; her nephew who she treated as her own son, David Van Gordon and grandniece, Natalie Van Gordon both of Hillsboro, Oregon.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John.