Paula Thore Petersen

Paula Thore Petersen, 84, retired Hospitality and Casino Executive of Las Vegas, passed away August 26, 2013. Paula was born in San Diego, CA on June11, 1929 to Oliver Clifton Thore and Beatrice Paula Kiggens. As a child, Paula grew up in a navy family, and survived the bombing of Pearl Harbor taking shelter under the bedding at the family’s base housing.

Paula finished her schooling in southern California where she was also crowned Miss Compton and Miss Long Beach. After completing her studies at Compton Junior College, Paula moved to Las Vegas in the “50’s. Her hospitality career began as a cocktail server at the Sand’s Hotel at this time.

Paula soon met Murray Petersen and they were married September of 1956. Paula and Murray started their family and she soon had daughter Marley then son Murray. Paula experienced the untimely death of her husband September of 1963. She then joined Westward Ho Properties and began a career of various hotel and casino management positions with Westward Ho Casino and Hotel.

Paula later remarried Jack N. Hurd, and then had a third child, Darbi Colleen Hurd. Paula worked in various capacities at Westward Ho for the next 30 years before retiring in the “90’s. Paula loved spending time with her family during the holidays and traveling with her family in particular to Brianhead, UT, and Laguna Beach, Ca.

In addition to her professional and family life, Paula was a tireless, energetic member of the University Medical Center Foundation Board of Directors. She participated in numerous events, always looking forward to the impact the annual telethon generated.

Within the family, Paula is best remembered as the embodiment of holidays, most notably Christmas. Her house decorations and affinity for gift giving stretch the imagination, and could only be understood by actual participation. It was not uncommon for Paula to have as many as three Christmas trees, all full of presents and surprises for her family and loved ones. Her house was always the most lighted and brightest with lights and decorations on every possible spot.

Paula is survived by her daughters, Marley and Darbi, son Murray; daughter-in-law, Lisa; granddaughters, Yvette Wideen, Ashley, Seanie and Hailey Petersen, great grandson Noah Wideen; great granddaughter, Sophia Patros; nieces, nephews, and best buddy, Josi Petersen.

Paula will be missed by all who knew her and all who loved her. She will be remembered by all.

A True Celebration of Paula Petersen will be held at Palm Mortuary, 1600 S. Jones, Friday, August 30, at 6:00p.m.