In Memory of Lenore Paulsen
After a long career in government employment, public life, and Democratic Party activism, Roseburg’s Lenore Paulsen has died at the age of 90 in the home she lived in for many years. A talented, gracious woman, she charmed all who knew her. She had many interests and loved entertaining her many friends in her well-appointed home. In warm weather, they could meet her and share a glass of her favorite, Pinot Noir, on an expansive porch overlooking the city; in winter, she greeted any number and made them welcome. 
Lenore was born in Flandreau, South Dakota, on October 9th, 1934, on her father’s farm. Her mother, a schoolteacher, died when she was three, and the rest of the family stepped in to raise her. She loved farm life and continued to manage the farm’s 400 acres and activities throughout her life. After graduating from South Dakota State University, she spent two years with a church-sponsored program in Africa, most often in Mozambique. Following that, she entered the University of Oregon for a Master’s Degree in Public service and Community affairs. She worked as an Oregon State University extension agent in Douglas County for 25 years. Called by some the “Martha Stewart’ of Roseburg, she had a popular afternoon program in Home Economics on KPIC-TV for 11 years. None of the broadcasts were saved. Over the years, she became fast friends with a neighbor, Beverly Paulson, who was on the staff of Umpqua Community College. That led to Lenore becoming a member of the UCC College board, on which she was elected to five terms, a total of 20 years. In the 90s, Beverly and Lenore bought a large Victorian house and four apartments in Roseburg, forming a partnership that lasted 30 years.
Active in the Douglas County Democratic Party, she attended a national party convention and ran for State Representative in House District 45 in 1996. Her opponent was Jeff Kruse, well known for flamboyance. She had well-thought-out positions on education, taxes/spending, jobs/economy, crime, and a number of other issues. An excellent candidate, District 45 would have benefitted from her intelligence and grasp of the issues. She did not win. As mentioned, Mr. Kruse’s performance in office was well-documented.
Thank you, Lenore, for all you have given us. She never married and is survived by four nieces and nephews. A memorial service is planned, and an announcement will be forthcoming.
Bob Allen
