Mary Jean Paulson

Mary Jean Paulson, age 82, of Rockland, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, in Wausau, Wisconsin, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, independence, fierce love, and unforgettable spirit.

Born and raised in Rockland, Mary lived life entirely on her own terms. She spent many years in the Chicago area, living in Des Plaines and Arlington Heights, before returning home to the farm she loved so deeply in Rockland. The farm was more than a home to Mary - it was her heart. There, surrounded by horses, dogs, cats, flowers, and the quiet rhythms of country life, she built the life she wanted with grit, determination, and hard work.

Mary attended Northland College in Ashland, WI, earning her B.A. in English in 1965. She earned her Master of Arts in Education from Northern Michigan University in 1970. She went on to teach English and special education at Ontonagon Area High School, where she remained until her retirement in 2008. She believed deeply in standing up for the kids who needed someone in their corner. She touched countless lives as a teacher, advocate, mentor, and steady source of support.

To know Mary was to know a woman who was unapologetically independent. She was stubborn in the best and most legendary ways, determined that anything worth doing should be done correctly - usually her way. For years, she cut, raked, and baled her own hay herself, long after many people would have handed the work over to someone else. Her lifelong love of horses defined so much of who she was, and caring for her animals brought her tremendous joy. Her faithful German Shepherd, Gretchen, remained a constant companion.

Mary had a sharp wit and a memorable way of teaching life lessons. She reminded those around her never to make assumptions, and Thursdays were always greeted with a little extra enthusiasm and one of her trademark sayings that family and friends will never forget.

One story especially captures her spirit. When county workers came through trimming back trees on French Shanty Road near her home, Mary tied a ribbon around a beloved old elm tree and posted a sign declaring it protected by the “Tree Huggers of America.” The tree remained standing. Anyone who knew her knows exactly how that conversation probably went.

Though tough as nails on the outside, Mary loved deeply. She cherished family visits to the farm, sitting outside in the summer shade or relaxing in the screenhouse while watching the world around her. Spring flowers brought her happiness, especially crocuses, lilacs, peonies, trilliums, and roses. She enjoyed gatherings with her Red Hat friends and treasured time spent with friends, cousins, nieces, and nephews throughout the years.

More than anything, Mary loved her family. She was a devoted mother to her daughter, Amanda, and a proud mother-in-law to Josh. Being “Nana” to her granddaughter Eliin brought her enormous joy, and she remained a constant source of love, strength, encouragement, and unwavering support to those closest to her.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Harriet (McCracken) Paulson; her sister, Evelyn McGinn; and her brother, Keith Paulson.

She is survived by her daughter Amanda and son-in-law Josh Myrblom; granddaughter Eliin; siblings Laura (the late Chris) Olson, Brenda (Gary) Poisson, and David Paulson; cousins Patty McCracken, Peggy (the late Russell) Hoeft, and Colleen (Royce) Mort; nieces Lindsey Poisson, Karen (Andrew) Linton; nephews Kelly (Beth) Olson, Christopher (Laila) Poisson, Jonathon Poisson, John (Kay) McGinn, and Michael McGinn, as well as numerous great- nieces and nephews, friends, former students, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Aspirus Hospice House for the compassionate care, comfort, and kindness they provided to Mary and her family.

In honor of Mary’s lifelong love for animals, memorial donations may be made to the Ontonagon County Animal Protection (OCAP), P. O. Box 315, Ontonagon, MI 49953.

Mary will be remembered as vibrant, feisty, courageous, loving, and impossible to forget - a woman who stood her ground, loved fiercely, worked tirelessly, and taught those around her how to be strong.

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Weston is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared at www.ascendweston.org.