Paula Marie Gaines of Snoqualmie and lifetime resident of the Eastside, passed away May 29 at home. She was 57.

Paula was born December 18, 1951 to James and Elfriede Gaines. She was raised in Kirkland and graduated from Lake Washington High School.

She spent her time raising her daughters and working in various industries such as the family bowling alley – Tech City Bowl in Kirkland – Bel-Kirk motors selling Volvos and Saabs and supporting cancer research as a purchasing agent at Bristol-Meyer Squibb.  In her later years, she was the President of the bowling alley and reinvented it as a Family Fun Center.

On November 30, 1996 she and Dale Torgrimson committed their lives to each other with an exchange of marriage vows in Woodinville. In 2004 she lived in Redmond and in 2008 they moved to Snoqualmie Ridge to be close to her daughters.

In her leisure time Paula enjoyed cooking, gardening, golf, her dog Lucy, reading her bible, spending time with her family and traveling with her best friend Patti. She especially loved time with her devoted husband. Paula is remembered by her family as a strong Christian woman who was a loyal and loving wife, mother and grandmother. Paula possessed a keen political acumen and always valued a conversation of politics. Dedicated to helping others and the community in which she was raised, Paula once ran for Kirkland City Council.

A memorial service was held at Woodinville Community Church on June 6. Private internment was held at Floral Hills Cemetery.

Survivors include her loving husband, Dale Torgrimson; daughters, Breanne Gaines and Kaylie Collier, all of Snoqualmie; siblings, Brian Gaines of Bothell, Jimi Bury of Monroe and Diana Bray of Arizona; two grandchildren and a host of extended family members and friends. 

The family suggests remembrances to Compassion International. Friends are invited to view photos and share memories in the family’s online guest book at www.flintofts.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Flintoft’s Funeral Home and Crematory.