Paulette Leontine Kissell

Paulette Leontine Kissell, 97, passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, July 9, 2023. One month and one day shy of her 98th birthday. Paulette was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and great aunt. She leaves behind her two sons; Ken and Paul, their wives Anita and Evie including Paul and Evie's children and grandchildren. Paulette is also survived by her 4 youngest siblings; sisters; Marthe and Marie-Rose and brothers; Michel and Claude and their children. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Bea and brother Camille. She is greatly missed and loved by so many. Paulette was born on August 10, 1925, to Albert and Franoise Lombard in the city of Noumea, on the island of New Caledonia. She was the first-born child of 7 children. Paulette grew up on the island until she left at the age of 21 to come to the United States in 1946. She was married in 1945 to Robert Kissell who was from Iowa. When she arrived in the U.S. she could not speak English and had a piece of paper pinned to her shirt stating where she needed to go. When in the U.S. she learned English by working at the local Dairy Queen. She eventually would work for Ford Aerospace as a leading supervisor until retirement. After she retired, she decided to take up ballroom dancing which became a strong passion of hers and filled her with great joy. She loved to travel which included seeing the sights of Hawaii, Ireland, Paris, and many other beautiful places. She was a legend to her family and all who knew her. Strong, independent, and incredibly intelligent woman with a mighty personality. She will be missed greatly by all who knew her but she leaves behind a lasting legacy of independence and strength. Service Thomas Miller Mortuary 1118 East Sixth Street Corona, CA 92879 (951) 737-3244 | Wednesday 8/23, 11:30 am Cemetery Crestlawn Memorial Park 11500 Arlington Ave. Riverside, California 92505 (951) 689-1441 | Wednesday 8/23, 1:30 pm