Lydia Paulsen

Lydia Ransier (Lowry) Paulsen 1920 - 2013 Lydia Ransier (Lowry) Paulsen died peacefully with dignity and grace on April 24, 2013, in her home of 58 years, as she had always wished. She was 93 at the time of her death, and lived a very full and fruitful life. She was born in Tucson to Charles and Lydia Ransier. As an adult, she became very active in the community. All her life mom said, "There are three things I am thankful for: My Faith, Humor and Positive Attitude". She kept all three to the very end! Lydia majored in psychology at the U of A, which was the beginning of a lifelong interest in the mental health community. She was founding President of the Tucson Child Guidance Clinic & founding Director of the Tucson-Southern Communities Mental Health Center. Lydia was honored with the AZ Psychiatric Association Pinel Award & the Special First President's Award from La Frontera Mental Health Center. Numerous organizations benefited from her hand and heart including: State Board of Crippled Children's Services, AZ Council of Social Agencies, Children's Evaluation Center, Tucson Child Guidance Clinic, Girls' Living Centers, Tucson Symphony Society, YWCA and Tucson Festival Society. Lydia served 20 years as a Pima County Juvenile Court Referee. In this court-appointed position, she heard cases and rendered judgments. For years, young people expressed gratitude for her role in "turning their lives around." In 1967, Lydia was named Tucson's Woman of the Year. Lydia was a 30-year member of AZ Blue Cross/Blue Shield Board of Directors (first woman to serve and first Woman Chair). Lydia continued membership in the Silver & Turquoise Board of Hostesses, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Native Seeds/SEARCH, AZ Historical Society Pathfinders, Tucson Museum of Art, Patio Garden Club, Tucson Desert Club, and St. Luke's Board of Visitors. She served as Jr. League of Tucson President and was the first Sustaining Member to be honored with the Ann-Eve Johnson Award. Lydia was also involved with the Altar Guild at St. Michael and All Angels and St. Philip's In The Hills; sacred places that fed her spirit. Lydia is survived by her daughters, Margo Lowry Belval (Ron) of Tucson and Linda L. Romley-Irvine (Perry); granddaughters, Kendra, Loren and Bianca; five step-grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and two great-nieces. Mom "Nonny" will be forever loved and deeply missed. Her strong Faith, sense of Humor and Positive Attitude will live on in her family. Please join us in a celebration of her life on Monday, May 6, 2013, at 11:00 a.m., St. Philip's in the Hills, 4440 North Campbell Ave., 85718. In lieu of flowers, Lydia suggested a contribution to: Jr. League of Tucson, Inc. or Casa de la Luz Hospice. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.