Paulette Fitzgerald Erickson

Paulette Fitzgerald Erickson, age 69, of Sandy, UT, peacefully slipped into the eternities on December 15, 2021, after a short battle with cancer.

Paulette was born on August 6, 1952, to Pauline Smith and Garnett Fitzgerald in American Fork, Utah. She spent much of her childhood in Draper, UT, growing up on the prison grounds as her father was the Deputy Warden of the Utah State Prison. Many of her best memories were running around on the prison grounds with her four siblings. Paulette graduated from Jordan High School in 1970 and then went on to obtain an associate degree at Snow College in 1972.

While working for Bonus International, she met her eternal companion, Vern, in 1977, and they were married on February 2, 1979.

Paulette had three passions in life. Teaching, art, and family.

Teaching is something Paulette deeply loved. She spent 11 years in Kindergarten Education at Whittier Elementary in Salt Lake City. In addition to working at the school, she spent many years in multiple church positions including Primary Chorister, Primary President, Activity Days Leader and Young Women’s. In all these places, Paulette influenced and guided children to be their best selves.

Her art reflected the beauty she saw in the world around her. Paulette invested thousands of hours into developing her natural talent of creation. She painted pictures on canvas, wood, pumpkins, and rocks. She wrote and doodled in notebooks and journals. She sang and taught others to sing. Paulette poured her heart and soul into the art she created the words she wrote, and the songs she sang.

Paulette’s family meant everything to her. She loved her father and provided all the support she could to her mother after her dad passed away. With her dear husband, she raised her three children. She was overjoyed to be a grandmother. She was always thrilled to see any of her children, brothers, sister, nieces, or nephews. One of the most joyous days of her life was May 24, 2017. When she was sealed for time and all eternity to her husband Vern.

She is survived by her husband Vern, sons Corey (Miriam), Casey (Rachel); daughter Krysten; 3 grandchildren, Hannah, James, and Daniel; brothers Mike, Wayne and Bob Fitzgerald and sister Jane Joy. She is preceded in death by her parents; Garnett “Fitz” and Pauline Fitzgerald.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, December 21, 2021, 11:00 am at the Fairoaks Ward Meetinghouse, 586 E. 8400 S. Sandy, UT. Viewings will be held Monday, December 20, 2021, 6 – 8 pm McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 S. Redwood Road, Taylorsville, UT, and Tuesday, December 21, 2021, 10 – 10:45 am. at the Fairoaks Ward Meetighouse just prior to the Funeral Services.