Paulette Holst (nee L’Ange), our beautiful mom, grandma, and friend passed away from lung cancer on November 26, 2024, at the age of 78.

Paulette was born on February 6, 1946. Dear daughter of Paul (1914 – 1986) and Helen L’Ange (1921-2006). Beloved niece of Dorothy “Aunt Dot” Nolte (1911-1998). She is survived by her daughter Natasha (RJ) Griesenauer, her son Douglas (Stephanie) Holst, her grandkids Lucy and Owen Griesenauer and Lucas and Isabelle Holst, and her furbabies, Lim and Larney.

Paulette grew up in South St. Louis, Missouri. She graduated from O'Fallon Tech and went on to work at Bohemian Savings and Loan until she started a family in 1976.

Being a mom was Paulette’s greatest joy, and she loved her kids fiercely, but that love was not limited to her own flesh and blood - she loved freely, her door was always open, and everyone was welcome. Kids were everything to her, so it was no surprise that Paulette was over the moon when her grandkids came along. To them she was Grandma H., and she loved each of them beyond expression and was incredibly proud of the remarkable people they have become.

Paulette was a helper. Family, friend, neighbor, or stranger, she was always happy to jump in and lend a hand.

Paulette loved all creatures great and small. There is a quote by French novelist Antole Frank that reads “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.” Paulette’s soul was wide awake. She was truly a friend to all animals. She loved cats and dogs and those who found their way into her home and heart really hit the jackpot. Throughout her life Paulette rescued countless creatures from the creepy-crawlies to the soft and fuzzy and everything in-between. The many animals that frequented her backyard haven will surely be missing their friend.

Paulette was an amazing woman who will be deeply missed. We will miss her sharp sense of humor, her laugh, her determination, her compassion, and her generous spirit. She will be loved forever and always.

A Celebration of Life will take place on January 26, 2025, with the ceremony beginning at 2:30 pm. Sandwiches, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks will be served immediately following. All who knew Paulette and her family are welcome to attend. The location is Lakeside Conference Center, 10300 Lake Bluff Dr., St. Louis, MO 63123.

The family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to Wildlife Rescue (mowildlife.org) or the APA (apamo.org).