Obituary of Paula Caviezel

Paula Caviezel (née Bernal) passed away Friday, June 14, 2019 in Portland, Oregon at the age of 69 after a courageous 11-year battle with Posterior Cortical Atrophy, a rare form of Early Onset Dementia. Her husband of 50 years Richard and son Adam were by her side until the end. Paula was born on August 20, 1949 in Shelton, Washington to Pauline Tackett and was later adopted by Tom Adams. She graduated from Olympia High School in 1967 and attended Western Washington University in Bellingham where she met Richard in 1969. She later graduated from dental hygiene school at Clark College in Vancouver and also earned a BS in Dental Hygiene from the University of Washington. Paula was a longtime resident of Sumner, Washington and enjoyed a 30+ year career as a dental hygienist and instructor that she truly loved until her illness forced her to retire. Paula’s strong will, determination, playful spirit, and undying loyalty to her loved ones made her a one in a million person. The joy Paula had for life was inspiring to anyone who was fortunate enough to witness it. She had so many hobbies and interests including soapmaking, sewing, antiquing, restoring old furniture, cooking, baking, organic gardening, hiking, biking, and anything to do with her family. She danced like Elaine from Seinfeld and was always the last person to leave the dance floor. Even well into her illness Paula stayed at her son’s wedding until the early hours of the morning. Paula was so open and honest with everyone that she and Richard were often compared to the parents in Meet the Fockers. Even as her disease took its toll on many of her beautiful qualities it never took her courage, soul, smile, or love of music. In her final days she still kicked her feet along to Steely Dan. Paula is survived by her husband Richard, son Adam, daughter-in-law Cheryl, and granddaughter Genevieve; her brother Ron, and many other family members and friends. Her family extends a special thank you to Assisting Hands-Happy Valley, the nurses and doctors who cared for her at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital Northwest, and our friend Carrie Birrer who brought out the best in Paula even in her most challenging stage, helping her bake and sew a blanket for Genevieve that will live on in Paula’s absence. In lieu of flowers or gifts the family encourages donations to the Alzheimer’s Association whose guidance, support, and medical research provide a hopeful light in the difficult battle with dementia.