Individual Details

The Mercury News, San Jose, California, November 4, 2004: Paulette was born June 25, 1957, in Fresno California. She passed away October 16, 2004, at home and with her family by her side. Paulette attended college at UC Davis and UC Santa Cruz, then settled in the Bay Area in the early 1980's. After many years contributing as a biochemist and project manager to the success of small medical diagnostics companies, she decided to return to school in 1993 and pursue her love of art obtaining her MFA from San Jose State. Paulette appreciated many artistic styles but most favored expression through installation art. She also did extensive casting and monotype print work, often reminiscent of her installations. In her desire to expose us to art and women's history, Paulette worked tirelessly on public art projects and installation projects at several local high schools.

She lived life in a large way, courageous beyond words and determined to maximize each day during four years with breast cancer. Quoting from an interview during her 2002 participation in the local Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk: "I'm not a cancer survivor, I'm a thriver!" Traveling was a life-long passion and Paulette enjoyed Italy's rich art history, China's spirituality, France's fine dining, and South America's natural wonders, among countless other foreign and domestic destinations. Her friends and family will remember her dramatic flair in terms of dress, experiences, and entertaining. Paulette was a terrific cook and an innovative (and meticulous) hostess.

We are thankful for the many bright spots Paulette brought to our lives. We will remember her courage and honor her by the way we (her family) live our lives. So many people, close friends and acquaintances, expressed great kindness and thoughtfulness during her illness. Her family truly appreciates the way your actions brought joy, love, and peace to her and to us. She was preceded in death by her mother and brother, Lila and Danny Peterson. She is survived by her husband, Bruce Kirkpatrick, her father, Carl B. Peterson; her sister Claudette Phariss and husband Doug; her sister Jill Peterson; her niece Madeline Sides; her nephews: Michael Parr, Todd Parr, and Taylor Sides, three great nephews, and two great nieces. Paulette had a special love for the children and delighted in surprising them with unique gifts and memorable experiences. She will be missed more than words can express.

In lieu of flowers, Paulette asked that donations be made to the Bay Area Breast Cancer Network (www.babcn.org) or to Works/San Jose (www.workssanjose.org), two local organizations that she was deeply committed to and enriched by. A memorial service to celebrate Paulette's life and art will be held on Saturday, November 13th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the San Jose Museum of Art.

Birth	25 Jun 1957	Fresno Co., California
Marriage	8 Aug 1987	Bruce Eric Kirkpatrick
Death	16 Oct 2004	Santa Clara, Santa Clara Co., California
Alt name		Paulette E Peterson
Alt name		Paulette E. Peterson
SSN issued		California
Burial		Unknown

Spouse

Bruce Eric Kirkpatrick (1958 - )