Paula J. Wesoski Wolfe
1950 - 2010

Paula J. Wolfe 60, of Tucson, AZ passed away peacefully on July 28, 2010, after a long illness. She was surrounded by her family and best friends as she ended her valiant, seven year battle.

Paula is survived by her mother, Elaine Wesoski of Tucson; her aunt and uncle, Janet and Ranol Hemingway and their daughters, of Lisbon, CT; her life partner, Laura Bender of Tucson and the entire Bender-Pepper-Ross clans of Scottsdale and Tucson, in addition to special friends, Robin, Philip and Alexander Pinto (furry friends, Hector and Ajax).

Paula was an artist, librarian and marine biologist. Before coming to Tucson, she worked at the University of Wyoming Science Library, the California Academy of Sciences, the University of California-Santa Cruz, and the Moss Landing Marine Lab Library. Prior to her library positions, she was a field biologist for 16 years, and trained dolphins in Hawaii. She also worked at the Boston Museum of Art. Paula joined the University of Arizona Libraries in 1999 as a science-engineering librarian, and for the past ten years had worked with Architecture, Art, and several digital projects including the Shantz collection, Joesler architectural plans (she curated the current exhibit in the University of Arizona Libraries, Special Collections), and an interactive map showing sites in Arizona that were built as part of the New Deal.

Paula touched many lives, and was considered a model of courage and inspiration throughout her illness. All who knew her have been immeasurably enriched by her kindness and keen sense of humor. Per Paula's wishes, inurnment will take place at Paradise Memorial Gardens, 9300 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ. A Celebration of her life will be planned for October, 2010. Arrangements entrusted to MESSINGER INDIAN SCHOOL MORTUARY, 7601 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale, AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Southern Arizona Office, 4574 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85711, 520-319-0155.

the Arizona Daily Star - July 2010