Mary Helen Dees Paulus, born in Arcadia FL on January 28, 1925, died peacefully at home on February 23, 2012. The daughter of the late Archie and Cleavon Dees, she is survived by her sister Juanita Fair of St. Petersburg, FL; her daughters Moira Ann Kneer (Dan) of Eau Claire, WI and Helen Gierke (Dewey) of Cape Coral, FL; grandchildren Sharon Halstead (Al), of Temple Hills MD; Jennifer Shipman (Garett) of Medford WI; Catherine Emerson (Rob) of Eau Claire WI; Nicole Skutley (Matt) of Milwaukee WI; Greg Emerson of Eau Claire WI; Christopher Rock (Jennifer) of East Lyme CT; Steven Rock (Amy) of Oak Harbor WA; Daniel Rock of Cape Coral FL; and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Cornelius F. Paulus; her son George Paulus; and her sister Juannell Dees. Mary Helen graduated from Desoto County High School (Arcadia FL) in 1943 and married Cornelius in 1944. As a military wife, she worked in many cities as a secretary in schools, churches and businesses. She was always active in church choirs, was a prize winning quilter and crocheter, and enjoyed gardening more than anything. A memorial service will be held at Ft. Myers Memorial Gardens in Ft. Myers, FL on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 2 PM with visitation beginning at 1:30 PM. The funeral service and interment will take place in Douglas, GA on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at Sims Funeral Home at 11 AM with visitation at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers the family has requested contributions to the Founder’s Fund of First Congregational Church, PO Box 100923, Cape Coral FL 33904.