Paula Marie Nielens

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and friend to all who knew her, Paula Marie Nielens. On March 15th, 2025, Paula left this world unexpectedly, leaving behind many memories of her effervescent nature and fun-loving spirit.

Paula was born July 13th,  1957, in Bremerton, Washington and considered herself a lifelong resident of Kitsap County, though she lived in Yuma, Arizona for several years with her partner Barry, who she loved and cared for until his passing.

Paula graduated a year early with the class of 1974 from East High in Bremerton, in recent years she enjoyed attending reunions with her sister Shelley Davis, and cousin Cynthia Jordan. In 1975 Paula married Billy Morton and had a daughter, Ryan. They were married until his passing in 1977. In 1980 she wed John Rosas and had two children, Dustin and Cameron. Paula was a fun, unconventional mom whose house was always bustling with her kids and all their friends, who still remember her playful and welcoming nature.

In her youth Paula delighted in riding horses with her sister and cousins on their grandma Voellger’s farm in Central Valley. You would find her trailing behind, bouncing along on her Welsh pony Sam, trotting to keep up with the bigger horses. She and Sam participated in shows and barrel races throughout Kitsap County earning many ribbons and accolades.

As a young woman Paula worked at Francis Haddon Morgan Center, where she was an attendant counselor to children with autism, and later in life at Seeds for Success as a job coach to adults with developmental disabilities. Paula was insightful and sensitive, making her especially well- suited for these jobs. In the 1980s she worked in the Kitsap County Auditor’s Office, where she made lasting friendships and enjoyed her work in the Elections Department.

Paula thoroughly enjoyed the time she spent with friends and family. Going to watch live music locally, performed by friends she knew for much of her life was a favorite pastime. In recent years she was a volunteer at the Olalla Americana Music Festival, recruiting her family and friends to take part, creating a yearly tradition we all looked forward to. She had a passion for ‘working in the yard,’ and would beautify her own gardens and yards as well as the outdoor spaces of friends and family. Sitting outside with her in a space she worked so hard to curate and craft was a treasured experience. She was fully alive and in bloom there, just like the plants she so carefully tended. Paula was a very loyal friend who would show up and work hard, whenever she was asked. Her door was always open, and she was always ready with a cup of tea and a Newport; a funny anecdote, a shoulder to cry on, an open heart to share your joy with.

Throughout her life Paula gathered friends wherever she went. Her engaging personality and talent for telling an interesting or amusing story attracted people from every walk of life. Her unique and insightful perspective on the world was indicative of her intelligence and her love for life. Her whimsy and curiosity were contagious, precious qualities her loved ones will miss every day. She was truly a raconteur, and first-class conversationalist.

Paula leaves behind a wealth of friends and family too numerous to name. She is survived by her children Ryan Morton, Dustin Rosas, and Cameron Dubose, her two grandchildren, Justice and Quincy Dubose who she was very proud of and loved beyond measure, a sister, Shelley Davis, a niece, Lindsey Werner, and a brother Brad Nielens.