Carrie Lou (Newman) Paulson

September 18, 1941 - April 11, 2021

UTICA - Carrie Lou (Newman) Paulson, age 79, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 11, 2021 in the comfort of her home with her loving family by her side.​ ​Born in Utica on September 18, 1941, Carrie was the daughter of the late Earle and Anna (Case) Newman. She attended Brandegee Grammar School and Utica Free Academy. ​Carrie was employed by the Junior Junction Child Care Center at the St. Luke’s site for 31 years. She was a blessed care giver and provided guidance and developmental activities for children ranging from newborns to school-age. Nothing charmed her more than being remembered as Miss Carrie by former youngsters once under her care. ​In her younger years, Carrie loved to unwind and enjoy herself, so she kicked up her heels on the dance floor where she loved the fast pace of the jitter bug and the graceful movements of a waltz! She also enjoyed her Sunday Buffalo Bills games.That was her happy place. She was a bit private in her earlier years, but her grandchildren ignited her soul and all the rules went out the window. She met them on their level, and it was a lively, engaging, loving relationship! She loved her family and embraced their happiness and their hurt. For her children and grandchildren, she wanted to share the wisdom of her years, give them freedom to live their lives, and refrain from judging them. Carrie was a woman who led a simple lifestyle balanced by a serious work ethic. She had a confidence in herself that allowed her to raise her kids as a single mother. She put her heart into everything she did, and she will be missed and remembered as an outstanding mom and grandma. ​She often travelled to be with her daughter Judy and her family. She enjoyed socializing, dining out, barbecuing on holidays, preparing macaroni and pasta salads, her signature dishes, shopping at the mall, and taking a trip to Walmart. ​Carrie was of the Protestant faith, and God was in her heart, as she had faith in her personal relationship with Him. ​Carrie is survived by her children and their loves, Judith L. and Ernest Brown/Chief Master Sergeant (R) U.S. Air Force, Leslie Paulson, Russell Paulson, Shari Lynn and Richard “Dick” Ballard, Tammy J. Paulson and ​John Holmes, son-in-law James Zimmerman; and the memory of her daughter Jo-Anne B. Zimmerman who preceded her in death. She will also be remembered by her grandchildren, Yolanda and Terrance Whitehead/Master Sergeant (R) U.S. Air Force, Sean and Helen Pitts; Richard Nicotera; Matthew, and Justin Romano; Amanda Nicole Paulson and Billy; Michael Wishart Jr. and Alicia Hill, and Alan Borruso; and Jayden M. Paulson-Holmes. She is now in the arms of her grandson who preceded her, Joshua S. Thompson (2009). She also leaves her great-grandchildren, Tiana, Terell; Meridian, and Adalind; Alexandria, Analise, Kienna, and Richard Jr.; Jonathan, and Kaitlyn; Briannah Carrie, Mikenzie, and Cooper Ryan; her great-great-granddaughter, Jovanna; and her brother Ronald Newman. She was preceded by her sister, Pauline Ann “Paula” Worden; and her sister-in-law, Nancy Newman; Survivors also include her nieces and nephews, Richard and Tina Tice, Donna Roberts and Charlie Stone, Ronald and Judith Newman, and Elizabeth Newman; great-nieces, great-nephews; and her lifelong friend and sister-in-law, Marianne “Mimi” Saunders. They were inseparable and blessed with a bond that was never broken. ​The family is grateful to Dr. Wade Hunt, and Dr. Najam Din for their medical expertise; and the personnel of the Visiting Nurse Association, especially Ashley for her guidance and compassion. ​Visitation will be held Friday, April 16, 2021 from 4:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Carrie’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence Friday evening at 6:00 at the funeral home. Face masks are required and social distancing and contact tracing will be implemented. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family. ​During this time of social distancing that we are all experiencing, please take a moment to connect with Carrie’s family through the “Memories” section of her obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support.