Paulette Sue (Meyer) Schroeder
Paulette Sue (Meyer) Schroeder
January 1, 1956 – October 20, 2026
Paulette Sue (Meyer) Schroeder was born on January 1, 1956, in Moorhead, Minnesota. She was the first baby born in Moorhead that year, and her arrival made the news. She passed away peacefully in Vista, California, on October 20, 2026, at the age of 70.
Paulette grew up in Minnesota living in Twin Valley, Lake Park, Little Falls, and Detroit Lakes. She moved to San Diego, California in 1981, which became her longtime home, where she enjoyed the beautiful weather and spent much of her life.
A Christian, Paulette was guided throughout her life by her love of Christ, her faith, and her commitment to community. She was a longtime attendee of Shadow Mountain Church and was deeply committed to caring for others.
Paulette graduated from Detroit Lakes High School before serving as a United States Navy corpsman. She later earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from San Diego State University, followed by a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling from National University. Her professional life included working as an occupational therapy assistant and a caregiver for clients with special needs, reflecting her commitment to helping and caring for others.
Paulette was very independent, always laughing and learning, and maintaining a positive outlook on life despite the many challenges she faced. She was a proud veteran, a devoted friend, and someone who cared deeply for others. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed traveling, hiking, camping at Campland on the Bay, dancing, and playing Bunco. She cherished time spent with family and friends and the meaningful connections she made throughout her life. Even during her illness, she continued to bring smiles to the people around her, including those she lived with, those who cared for her, and everyone she encountered along the way.
Paulette is survived by her daughter, Virginia Rose Lingham; her sisters, Cora Lee Wittmayer (Harry Wittmayer) and Jennifer Lynn Dilbeck; her nieces and nephews Christopher Stallman (Sara Stallman), Andrea Werth (Ben Werth), Justin Prince (Robin Prince), and Matthew Dilbeck; and a large extended family. Paulette was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Janet Meyer; her daughter, Amy Suzanne Lingham; and her niece, Jamie Lynn Prince.
In keeping with her wishes, Paulette’s brain was donated for research to advance understanding of rare neurodegenerative brain disorders, including tauopathies, corticobasal syndrome, and corticobasal degeneration. Her donation is intended to help researchers better understand these complex diseases.
Her remains will be placed alongside her daughter, Amy, at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California. Celebrations of Paulette’s life are being planned in San Diego, California, and Moorhead, Minnesota. Details will be shared as arrangements are finalized.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Paulette’s memory to make a donation to CurePSP in support of research and care for people affected by progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, and related brain diseases. Donations can be made through CurePSP’s official website. https://www.psp.org/tribute-funds
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers, hospice staff, VA Medical Center doctors and care team, family members, friends, and everyone who supported Paulette throughout the years. Your care, kindness, and support will always be remembered and deeply appreciated.
