In life, we are all faulted the same, we always think there is time.  Ten days ago, we as a family thought we had time.  Fast forward from February 21st to now, and anyone who knew Margaret in any capacity would appreciate why this announcement is just over a week later.  You know our Dad always said she would be late for her own funeral, so please bear with us as she would not have had it any other way, and it is with extremely heavy hearts we do so.

Margaret Ann Paulsen was born to Molly and David Anderson here in Prince Albert, SK on October 14, 1955. She was known to many as “Muggs”, “Flash”, “Maggie the Mangler”, but most prolifically she was known as Mom.  Mom, to everyone big and small in her life, because in her own very special way she took all under her wing and there were many starting with her children, their friends and all the way to every staff member she ever employed.  She was so grateful and would be nothing without you guys.  There was not a penny of space in her heart that ever went to waste, she had a place for everyone in her heart of gold and in a very big way.  Everyone was family and were treated as such.

Margaret’s life truly began when she met her soulmate in the late 70’s, Aksel Paulsen.  They solidified their love on May 12, 1979 and together from there they built an empire.  An empire not only with the 2nd generation company Aksel took over from his father, but with the family they made together with their 4 children.  From that, Margaret’s 9 grandchildren became her pride and joy, her life.

Margaret was an illustrious matriarch in the business community.  She was notoriously known for her hard work ethic.  Her life revolved around the company Aksel and she built together – Paulsen and Son Excavating.  She gave it her all and then some and made sure no one went without.  There was a reason she lit up the room with her bold, radiant presence.  Her eyes glistened with life and she had a smile that would leave you nothing less than mesmerized.  Margaret was so charismatic and personable.  Her laughter was contagiously boisterous.  She always ALWAYS took time out of her busy day to converse with people. Even if that left her working many late nights in her office.  You would more often than not hear her quote “There aren’t enough hours in a day”.  Still, she never denied anyone an ear to listen to and never would disappoint with her guidance and advice.  She was always so witty and never forgot a single thing anyone told her.  EVER!  She was captivating to people how she never forgot things that were spoken to her even if only spoken once.  She knew everyone’s birthdays, and many people were humbled and honoured by her for keeping the mind space to do that.

Margaret’s main focus was always her family and the family run business.  When she took time for herself, she enjoyed the finer things in life like her collections of art pieces, antiques and jewelry.  She had eyes like a crow and if it shined it was hers!  Margaret was very proud of her many collections, but none were as special to her as the hordes of rocks her grandchildren sought out for her.  She also dearly enjoyed creating things with her grandkids.  Margaret was extremely talented when it came to her artwork.  Many hours were spent making stained glass pieces as well as doing ceramics.  Her love for her glasswork would inspire her to attend many courses at the Glass and Bead Expo in Las Vegas.  This city was very dear to her, she always looked forward to her days away travelling with the luv of her life Aksel, as they drove down the West Coast every year to reach their final destination “Sin City” (Las Vegas).  Furthermore, Mom found peace and serenity on her pontoon boat with her captain, Aaron, and all of her little first mates (grandchildren).  She spent this past summer taking the much-deserved time she needed to unwind and relax on the open water.

Margaret, Mom, your strength was monumental and will never be met by anyone else we know.  Your love was undeniable and will never be filled by another awaking soul.  You were fierce when necessary, but before anything else you were compassionate and empathetic to everyone.  Your heart was so forgiving.  It was so immense.  You put everyone before yourself and you touched more lives than we could imagine.  You took the world with so much grace and vigor.  Your integrity could move mountains and in so many ways, you rewrote the stars with the immaculate things only you could do as a woman in your position.  You were exceptional with all that you did, and your wit lit up this solemn world we live in.  You gave even when you had nothing left to give and we will always be indebted to you for everything you have done for all the lives you have touched.  There really is no way any of us can truly say goodbye Mom, so please just hear us say thank you for always being there no matter what.  You have humbled us all by being the most integral part of our lives.  You are so loved by so many people; you really were a genuine person.  Please hold our lost angels Legend and Ezekiel with as much love as you held everyone together with as you graced this earth.  You have been waiting a very long time to hold Andi and Dad again.  Rest easy Mom, rest assured the sadness that fills every ounce of our existence right now finds peace knowing you are safe with those we have lost before you.  You are so missed; you will never be forgotten.  We love you Mom …. “Nothing you would take, everything you gave, Hold me till I die, meet you on the other side…” – Willie Nelson

Margaret is survived by her son Jason Paulsen (Debra McKay), the mother of his children Carla Paulsen (Keith Klyne), and their family Kadin, Kolton, Lief and Molly; her son Aaron Paulsen and his son Andreas; her daughter Nicole Paulsen and her family Aksel, Paisly and Whimzy; her daughter Andrea’s son Zachery; her brother Willie Anderson, his wife Letitia and their family Alley and Lisa; her brother Robert Anderson, his wife Theresa and their family Robyn and Myron; her sister Brenda Brisbois, her husband Kevin and their family Jonathon, Caleb, Shannon, Jael, Chad, Amber and Sylvia; her sister Cathy Schrader and family Codey, Brodey and Britany; her sister Marion Davison, her husband Ken and their family Shaun, Tracey, Brian and Trish; her sister Carolines family Laughlin and Chezarae Baggs; her niece Katie (Greg) Parenteau and their children Kenzie and Rhett; many great nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Margaret was predeceased by her husband Aksel Paulsen; her daughter Andrea Paulsen; her grandsons, Legend and Ezekiel Paulsen; her parents, Molly and David Anderson; her parents-in-law, Borge “Pete” and Edna Paulsen; her niece, Michal Lundgren; her nephews, Nathan Lundgren and Donovan Barnaby; her sister Caroline Baggs; and her sister-in-law Lorna Paulsen.

A Private Family Celebration of Life will be held the morning of Friday, March 5, 2021.

The family would like to invite family and friends to a Come and Go Remembrance of Margaret and Aksel at Paulsen & Son Excavating’s shop from 1:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 5, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Margaret’s memory may be made to the Prince Albert SPCA – 1125 North Industrial Drive, Prince Albert, SK S6V 5T1.

Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Lorne Adams, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322.

• Date : 2021-02-21
• Location : Prince Albert, SK