Paula S. Prescott

Paula S. Prescott passed away on October 13, 2024 at the age of 76. Paula was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, as well as a dedicated educator and a gifted artist and musician. She lived a life rich with love and togetherness and she will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Paula grew up the second oldest of four siblings in the small rural town of Stacyville, IA to her parents, Albert and Angela May. She earned her bachelors degree in art education from University of Northern Iowa. In 1971, she married David Prescott of Adams, Minnesota and they settled in Cedar Rapids, IA and later in Albert Lea, MN, where she taught art at the elementary and secondary levels. During her career she also led art curriculum development and hoped that her teaching would foster an appreciation of art among her students.

Paula and Dave had two children, Ben and Megan. As a busy working mother, she somehow achieved the nearly impossible task of making a homemade meal each night after work five nights per week. She always wanted the most for her kids--to be well-rounded and to give them experiences and opportunities. She is remembered as being opinionated and outspoken but loving and supportive in the most critical moments. Later, she warmly welcomed a daughter-in-law (Trisha) and son-in-law (Steve) into the family.

Even as a working parent, Paula somehow still found time to provide piano and organ accompaniment for mass at the local Catholic church and played in a regular bridge club. After her kids grew up, Paula started painting with watercolors, taking inspiration from the beauty of the Minnesota landscape. 

After her retirement, Paula moved up to Walker, MN to spend her days on the shores of Leech Lake with David. Together they enjoyed spending time outside gardening and on the boat, as well as hanging out with neighbors and friends.

Paula seemed to love being a grandma to her four grandchildren—Rose (14), Linden (11), Penelope (11), and Milo (9)—most of all. Hosting her grandkids up at the lake in Walker for Christmas and in July were highlights. And her grandkids have the fondest memories of their time spent up north with Grandma and Grandpa. She also loved to spoil them with treats, cheer them on at their soccer and sporting events, listen to them play piano, and most of all, cherished their hugs. 

In the past three years Paula developed kidney and liver failure. She retained a positive and determined attitude until the end. She is survived by her husband, who has been a devoted companion in their journey through 53 years together and caretaker in the most difficult times, as well as her children and grandchildren. She is also survived by her three siblings (Sheri Thome, Marcia Seip, and Dennis May). She is preceded in death by her parents Albert and Angela May.

There will be a Gathering from 1:00 - 4:00pm on Saturday, November 9th at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave, White Bear Lake, with a Memorial Service starting at 2:00pm and Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the following.

Albert Lea Education Foundation: Support pre-K-12 education in District 241 of Albert Lea, MN: https://www.givemn.org/organization/Albert-Lea-Public-Education-Foundation

Juxtaposition Arts: Promotes art among youth in the Twin Cities area: https://juxtapositionarts.org/donate/

Five Wings Art Council: Supports art development in the area of Walker, MN: https://www.fwac.org/

Conservation Minnesota: Promotes land and water conservation in Minnesota: https://www.conservationminnesota.org/donate