Esther Paulsen
Waterford — Esther Lillian “Dede” Paulsen, 96, died peacefully April 18, 2023, in Westminster, Md. Born March 23, 1927, in Omaha, Neb., to the late Christine (née Sorenson) and Sven Svenson, Esther went on to graduate from Tech High in Omaha. In 1949, shortly after his graduation from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, she married her high school sweetheart, Harold Arthur “Hap” Paulsen. After assignments in Maine, Florida, Massachusetts, Maryland and California, Hap, Dede and their two sons settled in Waterford. Hap accepted a teaching position at the Academy and served as captain of the USCGC barque Eagle. Dede was a devoted wife and mother. She embraced her role as a Coast Guard officer’s wife, often hosting large groups of cadets for dinner. Later, she was very active with the USCGA Alumni Association, rarely missing an event.
The daughter of immigrants, Dede had a keen interest in genealogy. She loved visiting Sweden and Denmark to explore her heritage and connect with relatives. She excelled at written correspondence and never missed sending a card to mark birthdays, holidays or special occasions for her family and friends. She absolutely loved receiving mail and saved all the letters and cards she was sent. Dede’s kindness, quick wit and great sense of humor left a memorable impression on everyone who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Hap; her sons, Harold Kenneth and Stephen Matthew; her sister, Hannah Marie Marsh; and her brother, Paul Arthur Svenson.
Esther is survived by her nephew, Duane (Janice) Bright of Papillion, Neb.; niece, Barbara Svenson of Lexington Park, Md.; nephew, Robert (Judy) Svenson of Thornton, Colo.; nephew, Mark Svenson of Woodbridge, Va.; great-nephew, Darryl (Tammy) Bright of Omaha, Neb.; and great-niece, Laura (Jon) Schmitt and their daughters, Bailey, Cassidy and Aubrey of Westminster, Md.; and great-nephew, James (Erin Surrette) Brinsfield of Towson, Md.
To honor Esther Lillian, a graveside ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. June 12, at Jordan Cemetery located on 240 Boston Post Road in Waterford. Pastor Dale Green from Crossroads Presbyterian Church will be officiating the service.