Paula J. Francisco

The world lost generosity personified on Dec. 10, 2012, with the sudden passing of Paula J. Francisco, 62, of Cloquet, Minn. Paula was born in Cloquet on Nov. 20, 1950, to Clayton and Audrey Smith. A lifelong Cloquet resident and Cloquet High School graduate, Paula earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth. She joined the Carlton County 9-1-1 team as a dispatcher, helping save the lives of both strangers and friends for the last 21 years. Paula's ability to handle stress under fire, in addition to her calming demeanor, made her an ever-constant source of comfort for those in need, and a well-respected member of the Carlton County law enforcement family.