Linda Gae Paoletti

July 26, 1947 - December 30, 2022

In Loving Memory

I was lucky enough to grow up at Cosgriff in the 1980s while Linda was running the library. It was always such an amazing retreat away from the nuns to see Linda and learn about the magical world of books and reading. 

Linda was a kind and wonderful soul who always had a warm smile to cheer us up when we were bogged down with cursive writing exercises, science fair homework, or diagraming (what seemed like) thousands of sentences.

Thank you for all the time you spent at Cosgriff growing us Tigers into voracious readers and for making reading fun.

Patrick Kelly
slc, UT

Dear Family,

I am so saddened to hear of your lovely wife, mother and grandmother's passing. Linda was always so cheerful and giving of her time and friendship. She was endlessly ready to help me with her assistance with my assignment to recreate the St. Vincent School Library. I truly don't believe I could have done it without her guidance from setting up the electronic catalog to library curriculum to her fun incentive programs. I'll miss seeing her smiles at school and church events. Linda will always be in my fond memories of the "librarian" part of my teaching career.

Love and peace,

Mary Williams

Mary Williams
holladay, UT

I can still hear Linda's beautiful laughter ringing in my ears, I hope that never goes away. How lucky I am to consider her my dear friend. She was a lovely lady in every sense of the word. Big hugs to Jeff, Todd and Mark.  Merilee Kohler

Merilee Kohler
slc, UT

Jeff, you have always been a very good friend, from our early days at Moffat, Welling & Paulsen and through our conversations when you headed the University of Utah's charitable giving section.  I am so very sorry to hear about Linda's passing, and you have my empathy and deepest sympathy.  I can't even imagine what you are going through.

My best,

Leonard

Leonard Wesley Burningham
salt lake city, UT

Jeff and family,

We were so sorrly to learn of Linda's death.

My memories are of high school in Phoenix, AZ. She was one of the most popular girls on campus!

Her sweetness and kindness were  real and for everyone. Her smile lit up any room at any time.

We are happy she had such a full and rewarding life.

May she rest in peace. Job well done.

 

Fondly, L'Jeane Jennings Fairbourn and Greg Fairbourn

L'Jeane Fairbourn
phoenix, AZ

Dear Jeff and family, 

I have fond memories of working with Linda while my children were at Cosgriff. She was an inspiration and friend to everyone. With warm thoughts and prayers, Chris

Christine Jordan
salt lake city, UT

In loving memory. Thank you Linda for inspiring young readers. Your humble co-worker. Manina Hilbck

Manina Hilbck
salt lake city, UT

I figure I owe so much of what I love and value – reading, writing, art, theatre, believing things are possible and imagining all the ways to make them possible – to Mrs. Paoletti in a small if not major way. 

I read so many books and worked so hard to earn my stickers during the book-a-thon. I would get so nervous before the big competition. It was such a fun part of the year and it continues to be a highlight of my structured education experience. 

It's really hard to write a thank you to someone who gives you something so wonderful as she did. I feel I owe her so many apologies and I am so disappointed much of my interactions were during my formative years when I know I wasn't the person I would have liked to be around her or the person she deserved, but I can't think of a time she ever showed anything by support and grace. 

My thoughts and feelings are with your family at this time. I hope you all know there are many us cherishing our memories with her and gateful for all that she gave us. What she inspired in me will be a part of who I am for the rest of my life and I promise to pass it on. I'll also share stories of the librarian that made me love libraries so much I go into them almost anytime and anywhere I see one. 

You are missed but not forgotten Mrs. Paoletti. Thank you for bringing such a fantastic world and all of its characters into my life. 

“You may have tangible wealth untold. Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold. Richer than I you can never be — I had a mother who read to me.” - Strickland Gillilan

Dustin Cederholm
salt lake city, UT

Jeff,

So sorry to read about Linda's passing. She will always have a special place in so many people's heart.

Bob

Bob Imhoff
murray, UT

A special memory of Linda...

I went to the Book Fair after a difficult Parent/Teacher conference at Cosgriff. Linda took one look at me and asked if I was OK. The compassion & understanding in her voice & eyes brought me to sudden uncontrollable tears. She quietly ushered me into her back room and told me to take as much time as I needed. I couldn't share the reason for my distress, but her concern & love helped me realize it was going to be OK. 

Linda was a wonderful woman. I know she will be greatly missed by her family & friends. 

Cathy Bobbe
salt lake city, UT

Stunned to see this today. I know there is nothing I can say to provide solace. But know my thoughts are with you. Linda was as wonderful a person as I have ever known. Will see you Sunday. 

Bob Barr
slc, UT

I am sad to learn of the death of Linda and send my condolences to you. Linda was am most enjoyable person and I remeber her smile each time I saw her.  She was always warm and welcoming to others. May you, Jeff, Mark and Todd find peace and comfort in remembering Linda and the good times togather.   All of you are warmly remembered often.

Gary M Perryman
salt lake city, UT

Jeff and family,

We were saddened to read about Linda's passing and pray that the Lord's healing touch will be with you all.  May you find comfort during this difficult time.  

With sympathy,

Larry and Gailynn Gluth

Larry Gluth
midway, UT

I watched you fight cancer as it slowly stole you from all of us. You held on much longer than most people would in order to make sure your family was taken care of. The world has lost an incredible, selfless, humble and beautiful human being. I'll always cherish our talks and moments together. 

Nickie Cook
magna, UT

The Paoletti Family:

My deepest sympathy on the loss of Linda to your family. Maryanne and I always enjoyed the friendship, dinners, and social conversations with Linda and Jeff. Our kids grew up together at the Cosgriff school and Linda was a terrific leader of the library. Maryanne was a member of the famous coffee group and so much enjoyed the group meeting each week. Linda's suffering now is over and is in the embrace of the arms of God and will Rest In Peace forever.

Bill Murray

 

Bill Murray
salt lake city, UT