Born on October 10, 1954, in El Paso, Texas, Paula was the beloved daughter of Paul and Mary Betzner.

Paula was a beauty maker. She could walk into a room and instantly know how to make it more beautiful just by angling furniture or hanging the right picture. She taught her daughters the essence of inner beauty through whole heartedly believing in them and supporting them in all that they did. She was the essence of self-sacrifice in caring for others.

Her presence brought a smile to those around her. Even in the hardest times she allowed space for joy and laughter. Even when she was suffering from the most difficult days of battling cancer, she was more concerned about those around her.

Paula had seven grandchildren.  She was in the room when her first grandchild, Rosemary, was born and screamed, "she's perfect!" She screamed so loud that people down the hall could hear. She didn't just rock her second grandchild, Luke, she would skip down the hall with him in her arms at 3 am to help him stop crying (and let Elizabeth sleep). When her "no fear" granddaughter, Abby wanted to nosedive into the Pacific Ocean, Paula held her so tightly, she even hurt her own wrist to keep Abby safe.  Even while battling cancer, Paula would help her fourth grandchild, Frank, with his math homework every day and would reward his completion by playing Legos with him.  Pearl (her fifth grandchild) wrote Paula a letter for Mother's Day that said "Grams, you have never let me down." Despite Paula's desire to have a clean and neat home, she would build forts with her yellow couch cushions and read books with Dixon (grandchild number 6). She gave her seventh grandchild, Benjamin, his name.

Paula was the best mother to her two daughters, Emily and Elizabeth.  In addition to raising them to be kind, creative, and confident, she taught her daughter, Emily, how to drink beer by drinking Coronitas together at Taco Surf in Belmont Shore.  Emily's first words were "Here my go, Mama!" and Emily has talked to her mom by phone or in person almost every single day since.  Elizabeth's favorite memories are endless back porch laughs, eating at Walt's Warf, road trips to Wildwood, house projects, riding bikes with her to the beach, and eating the waffles Paula made from scratch.

Paula had a meaningful career as an elementary school teacher, dedicating 16 years of her life to nurturing and educating gifted students in Long Beach Unified Schools. Her warm, compassionate, and creative nature inspired students and colleagues alike.

She had deep faith and loved "mass on the grass" at St. Joseph's.  She loved going on walks and watching football with her "badass bestie", Diana.  She made endless and hilarious memories with her sisters-in-law, Dianne Petitt and Leslie McBride.

Master gardener, decorator, promise-keeper, baby-swaddler, music lover, Paula was always up for an adventure – especially with her late husband, Jerry.  These adventures included camping on beaches in Mexico and taking a tiny boat out on the Pacific Ocean.

She is now having the best adventure ever in heaven with no pain, no nausea, and no cancer.

Paula Anne Petitt passed away on October 22, 2023, in Denton, Texas, at the age of 69.

She showed us that a life doesn't have to be perfect to be great.

Please join us in celebrating the life of Paula Anne Petitt, a remarkable woman who touched the hearts of many.

Monday, November 13th at 10 am

St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Long Beach

Reception immediately following at Paula's home

2621 Marber Ave, Long Beach

In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of the following non-profit organizations that either blessed Paula in her life or are helping her children and grandchildren currently.

Let us know if you make a donation – emilyraeroden@gmail.com

St. Joseph's Catholic Church

Youth Symphony of Denton

The MacMIllan Institute

Crocket Elementary School