Obituary: Paulette Renee Adams

Amazingly brilliant, beautiful, funny, compassionate, and fiercely devoted—these are just a few words that come to mind when remembering Paulette Renee Adams, a longtime Siskiyou County resident who passed away peacefully on Friday, January 31, 2025, after a courageous battle with liver cancer.

Paulette was born on August 9, 1953, in Oakdale, California, to Roland and Marlys (Greene) Parodi. Raised on her third-generation family rice farm, she developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for community. She went on to earn her Nursing degree from St. Luke’s School of Nursing and a Bachelor’s degree in Management from Pacific Christian College, a foundation that would serve her well throughout her remarkable career.

During her early years as an ER nurse at Methodist Hospital in Sacramento, Paulette met the love of her life, L. Robin “Grizz” Adams. The two married on June 28, 1980, and began their life together in Rio Vista, where they owned and operated an ambulance company. Paulette was known for running a tight ship—balancing patient care with clerical responsibilities—always with dedication and precision.

In 1986, Paulette and Grizz relocated to Siskiyou County, where she became an integral part of the local medical community. As a registered nurse at Siskiyou General Hospital, she made history as the first externally hired Emergency Room Director. She played a pivotal role in the establishment of Fairchild Medical Center (FMC) and used her keen business acumen to develop its surgical department, ultimately becoming Surgical Department Supervisor. Later, she was instrumental in shaping Fairchild Medical Clinic, where her leadership and unwavering commitment earned her the esteemed position of Director of Hospital Clinics.

Paulette was more than a leader—she was a teacher. Those who worked alongside her will remember her patience, wisdom, and ability to guide others with a steady hand. She didn’t just tell people what to do—she showed them how to do it. Her impact on the hospital, clinic, and their staff will remain an enduring part of her legacy.

Beyond her professional life, Paulette was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She masterfully balanced career and family, always making time for her children, Darcie and Samuel. She poured love into every aspect of their lives, from meticulously crafting their Halloween costumes to teaching them the joys of cooking, quilting, crocheting, and needlework. A renowned hostess, she had an unmatched ability to plan menus, organize schedules, and create gatherings filled with warmth and hospitality.

Paulette found peace and joy in nature, whether spending time with Grizz at their cabin in Sawyers Bar, fishing on the lakes of Siskiyou County, exploring the Oregon coast, or tending to her garden. Paulette had a chair at home that she brought to every outdoor project she and her family worked on, which, lovingly became known as the “Supervisor’s Chair.” Paulette was a proud member of a local women’s investment group, an astute stock market observer, and a legendary “lucky lady” in Reno, where she had a special knack for finding the winning slot machines.

Above all, Paulette was a rock—the steadfast foundation for her family, her friends, and her workplace. Her presence was a source of strength and stability, and the void she leaves behind is immeasurable.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Grizz; her beloved children, Samuel Adams of Hawaii and Darcie (Pedro) Lopez of Salinas; her mother and stepfather, Marlys (Bill) Sandoval of Oakdale; her siblings, Mario Parodi of Oakdale and Annette Philips of Roseville; step-siblings Daniel and David Sandoval of Sacramento; and two cherished grandchildren, Leslie and Sebastian.

A memorial service will be held in Paulette’s honor on February 28 at 2 PM at St. Joseph’s Church in Yreka (314 Fourth St, Yreka, CA 96097). In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Fairchild Medical Center’s Employee Scholarship Fund, supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals—a cause dear to Paulette’s heart.

Her legacy of kindness, wisdom, and unwavering dedication will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

sourced: Girdner Funeral Chapel