Paulette Bezona, 78

July 15, 1944 — Jan. 24, 2023

Paulette Ann (Giovanelli) Bezona went home to be with her Lord on Jan. 24, 2023, after a three-month courageous battle due to complications from COVID. Paulette was born to Cesare and Adrienne (Sabatini) Giovanelli in Plains, Pa., on July 15, 1944, and moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, in 1948. In 1961, she married and became a homemaker and raised her five children from her first marriage. In 1979, Paulette married K.O. Bezona and moved to Alaska. She learned how to become a true Alaskan, well, after sinking a boat and being rescued a few days later by the Coast Guard. She fished, gardened, had chickens and, of course, owned a sourdough pot. In 1989, Paulette, K.O. and their son, Jeremiah, moved from Alaska to Spirit Lake and then Rathdrum where they bought and ran a successful drive line repair shop. After several years, Paulette and K.O. decided to sell everything to live and travel full time in their motor home. After many fun adventures, they would settle down in Bullhead City, Ariz., and for several years, had property on the Coeur d'Alene River that they would spend summers at with family and friends camping, floating on the river, card playing and four wheeling.

Paulette is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, K.O. Bezona; children John (Sheri) Roberge, Tina (Paul) Gabriel, Paula (Brad) Cushing, Brett Bezona and Jeremiah Bezona; grandchildren Jenalee (Phil) Elle, Aaron (Amber) Roberge, Kailee (Merle Bighead) Roberge, Melanie (Nick) Malen, Marina Gabriel, Austin (Chandni) Gabriel, Whitney Cushing, Mason Cushing and Cyprus Bezona; seven great-grandkids; siblings Cindi (Bill) Carlson, Jill (Don) Irons, Rick Giovanelli, Fran Giovanelli, David(Carol) Giovanelli, Doug (Tina) Giovanelli, Mike Giovanelli, Kristi(Jason)Rick, sister-in-law Robin Giovanelli and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by sons David and Joey Roberge, parents Cesare and Adrienne Giovanelli and brothers John "Jack" and Mark Giovanelli.

Paulette was a strong Christian woman who loved her Lord, her family and her longtime friends from Alaska and Bullhead City. She loved playing cards and bingo. Her smile could light up a room and she loved to give to numerous charities. In her giving nature, she donated her body to science. A memorial service to honor her life will be celebrated at a later date.