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Published December 14, 2012, 12:00 AM

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.

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.

Paula used her gift of public speaking by volunteering as a lector at Queen of Peace Church, and educating hundreds of elementary school students about the importance of the 9-1-1 program. She was a hostess extraordinaire, and loved nothing more than to entertain a house filled with people. She also loved to read, bake, laugh, and make special memories with her three granddaughters. Whether playing along with a practical joke orchestrated by her zany sister Dana, going on a spontaneous road trip with her treasured sidekick Penney, or attending a granddaughter's tea party, she was the epitome of a good sport. To say she will be missed would be an understatement.

Welcoming her into heaven are brother Scot Smith, and father Clayton Smith.

Paula was, and will always be, loved by her husband of 41 years, Bob, and daughters Kara (Scott) Staples of Cloquet and Katy (Brad) Riddle of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; adored by granddaughters Haley and Kate Staples and Karsyn Riddle; admired by siblings Brent (Delrae) Smith of Esko and Dana (Rick) Stowell of Cloquet; championed by mother Audrey Smith of Cloquet; and cherished by many family and friends.

Visitation will be held Thursday, Dec. 13, from 4-7 p.m. and Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, Dec. 14, at 11 a.m. Both visitation and funeral services will be held at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, in Cloquet.

Funeral arrangements are with Nelson Funeral Care, 218-879-3225. See the family online guest book at www.nelsonfuneralcare.net.

Memorials are preferred.

December 20, 2012 ~ Pine Journal, Cloquet, Minn.

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B. M.
Minneapolis, MN     12/14/2012 8:24 AM

I am so sorry to hear about Paula's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the Francisco and Smith families. Thinking about the great times at Torchlight Lake. I know my dad will be happy to meet her up there in heaven. - Brett McKeever & family

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