Paula Lynn (Zaleski) "PZ" Dougherty

Paula Lynn Zaleski ‘PZ’ Dougherty, age 71, a longtime resident of Albuquerque, died Wednesday, January 15, 2020. She is survived by her daughter, Erin Dougherty Hatch (husband, Michael); granddaughter, Eleanor; and beloved Doberman, Kai.

Paula lived life with an adventurous spirit, always seeking out new experiences and travel, new people to meet, or new hobbies to enjoy. She was one of the first female hot air balloon pilots and a part of the hot air community in Albuquerque for most of her life. She was a nurse, mother, scuba diver, skier, and explorer. She loved putting purple streaks in her hair and eccentric fashion, driving fast, taking split-decision scenic detours, and dressing up for a fun evening.

Growing up in Santa Fe and living much of her life in Albuquerque, Paula loved New Mexico. She found great peace being outside, taking dog walks, and gardening. She almost always owned at least one horse, and instantly gravitated towards any other ‘horse person’ she met.

A Remembrance Service will be held Friday, January 24, 2020, 4:00 p.m., at FRENCH – Wyoming. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sierra Club, a charity to which Paula felt deeply connected.