Dr. Marianne Paulsen, DVM

After several years struggling with a progressive form of multiple sclerosis, Dr. Marianne Paulsen, DVM, slipped quietly to sleep at 12:05 a.m. on July 30, 2010. 

As per Marianne’s request, no funeral or memorial service will be held.

Marianne was born in 1957 in Omaha, Neb. She grew up in the Omaha area and the Pocatello, Idaho, and Boise, Idaho, areas.

Marianne’s father was an executive with Union Pacific Railroad, which meant the family moved between Nebraska and Idaho.

Marianne graduated high school in the Omaha area and attended Creighton University with intentions of becoming a dentist.

However, Marianne’s love of animals prevailed and Marianne transferred to Iowa State University School of Veterinary Medicine where she earned a doctorate of veterinary medicine, graduating in the top 10 percent of her class.

Marianne then moved to Omaha and was in private practice for several years. She prided herself in the animal care that she provided. Her most engaging and rewarding part of private practice was animal surgery which she performed to save an animal’s life, or to help an animal live a better or longer life.

Of the many surgeries that Marianne performed, one of her favorite stories was about removing a small bladder stone from a guinea pig. After several years of private practice, Marianne accepted a position with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Veterinary Services as a veterinary medical officer.

Marianne worked in Maine and the surrounding states, including Ames, Iowa, Lewiston, Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, and at her last position as port veterinarian at the U.S. Port of Entry in Eastport, Idaho, on the border with Canada.

Marianne was an easy going and happy person. Even as the multiple sclerosis advanced and life became a struggle, she never complained. One of Marianne’s greatest joys was the time spent with her husband Marc, family, her many friends, and on the phone with her friend and fellow veterinarian, Anne Harris.

Prior to  being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Marianne enjoyed skiing, hiking, rafting the many rivers of Idaho, canoeing, bike riding, and gardening. As a veterinary medical officer, Marianne truly enjoyed working with farmers, cattle ranchers, feedlot owners and managers, shippers, and plant facilities.

She thought it was an honor to serve and help protect the American farmer, rancher and the agriculture industry.

Marianne loved all aspects of life, however one of Marianne’s most cherished was living in Idaho and at their home and wooded acreage on the pristine Moyie River. She enjoyed the myriad number and variety of wildlife right outside the door, and looked forward each year to the bloom of the wild lupine and her favorite, shasta daisies.

Marianne is survived by her loving husband, Marc; her father and mother, Eugene and Margaret Shea of Eagle, Idaho two brothers, Rick (wife June) Shea of Anchorage, Alaska, and David (wife Farah) Shea of Polk City, Iowa; three sisters, Barb (Husband Kip) Zwinkel of Longmont, Colo., Rose (husband Matt) Bartel of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Pam (Husband Neil) Planert of Seattle, Wash.; special family friends, Ryan and Valerie Callister of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; many wonderful friends, and her Boston terrier, Daisy.

Condolences may be sent to 202 Brittany Loop, Sandpoint, ID, 83864 .

Family and friends are invited to sign Marianne’s  book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com  Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.