Hannah Josephine Paulson

Hannah Josephine Prince Paulson, 84, affectionately known as “Hannah Banana” of Fargo, ND met her Maker on August 16, 2018 under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Hannah was born on October 13, 1933 to John and Bertha (Haugen) Prince in Langdon, ND. She grew up in Nekoma, ND, graduated from Nekoma High School, moved to Fargo where she was a nanny until she met Milton Paulson on a blind date and they married in 1957. They joined Olivet Lutheran Church in 1958. Hannah loved her church community where she brought her famous banana bread. Many visitors to Olivet will recall her greeting them with “Welcome to Olivet! I’m Hannah Paulson but you can call me “Hannah Banana”. Hannah was active in quilting, Bible Study, nursery, “New American” ministry, bulletin and newsletter assembly, hospitality team, and Meals On Wheels. She also volunteered at Bethany Homes and Manor Care.

Hannah was awarded the prestigious Jefferson Award in 1989. She was nominated by her daughter, Sandy with a heartfelt nomination letter.

Hannah was a very kind, caring and compassionate person with a heart of gold. She had a way of meeting complete strangers and calling them friends. There was no such thing as a “quick trip” to the pharmacy, bank, or grocery store. She had friends everywhere and she took the time to make them feel special. While her spirit remains with us, she will be greatly missed.

Hannah is survived by her husband of 61 years, Milton; two daughters, Sandy (John) Tellinghusen, MN and Susan Paulson (Eric Christensen), CA; five grandchildren, Mikaela (Michael) Cather, Dan Tellinghusen, MN, Thomas Paulson, Zachary Paulson, CA, Leigha Paulson (Fiancé, Matthew Bailey), WA; sister, Delores Short, CA and many nieces and nephews, family and friends who she held dear in her heart.

A huge thank you to Kathy Braaten, Phyllis and Bruce Hummel, Joan & Brian McIntyire and Family , Margaret Tinnes, Brenda Bauer, Pastor Bill Boelter, and the Hospice staff: Christine, Lesley, Mellony, Ursula, Kim, Arlene, Harle, Theresa, Jessica, Kylie, Briane, Kaylee, Melissa and Pastor Nathan Richman for their hands-on care. You will be forever in our hearts.

A special thank you to Delores Short for caring so deeply for her precious sister.

Thank you for the friendly visits and food deliveries during this difficult time; Jan & Larry Paulson and Family, Kay Johnson, Doris Pagel, Lana Jorgenson, Jaynette Lesko, Dorthy Nystul, JoAnn and Larry Gauper, Monte and Peggy Hoy, Steve and Bonnie Almond, The Flynn Family, and Corrine Zimmerman. Please forgive us for those we may have missed. We appreciate all you have done for our family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Bertha Prince and brother-in-law, Harry Short.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Radio Fund at Olivet Lutheran Church or Hospice of the Red River Valley.