Sarah Anne Paulson

     Sarah Anne Paulson, 20, of Kenmore, Washington, passed away on March 14, 2014. Born in Bellevue on April 16, 1993 to Bradley and Susan Paulson, Sarah had one younger sister, Michelle. She graduated from Inglemoor High School in 2011.

     Our dear Sarah came to us a very special package from God. Sarah faced—and overcame with great spirit—many physical challenges throughout her life.  Sarah was born with Aperts Syndrome and, beginning at a very young age, she endured many surgeries at Seattle Children’s Hospital.  Children’s provided the best of care for our girl, making and reshaping her through over 40 surgeries. Sarah was the inspiration for policy change and opportunities at Children’s. She left her mark behind wherever she went.

     After too few years and far too many surgeries, she died as the result of a hit-and-run vehicle accident. Sarah was on the way to the bus to attend her OLS Venture program at Bellevue College. She was thriving in school as she moved towards an independent life. She leaves behind a community of friends that accepted her as she was and valued her spirit and positive outlook. OLS helped her to mature and become the young lady that she was.

     Through Arrowhead Elementary, Kenmore Junior High and Inglemoor High School, Sarah was accepted and valued, for which we are eternally grateful. She may have been different, but that never stopped her. She participated in Girl Scouts, was the Recognition Officer for Inglemoor ASB, and was active with the Northshore Wranglers and Special Olympics.  She participated in track, bowling and Challenger Baseball. Sarah also made it a point to support her Wrangler friends by attending their performances.

     She would greet each day with a smile and a hug.  She would meet the challenges she was presented, facing them  with joy and accomplishment.  Sarah left a bit of her joy behind in all of us.

     Her entire family was blessed by her presence. Sarah helped us become better people. She was an angel among us. Sarah valued Holy Spirit Lutheran Church and the entire congregation there, being confirmed, attending youth conventions, and befriending all whom she met.

     While her life was short, and her struggles long, she persevered.  One of her favorite mottos was ‘No Excuses’. Sarah embodied the love of God, the acceptance of Jesus Christ, and the joy of the Holy Spirit. She will be deeply missed.