Chelsea Anne Paolini

Brentwood, NH - Chelsea Anne Paolini, a loving and beloved daughter, sister, cousin, niece, and friend, passed away on Dec. 5, 2021. She was 32.

Chelsea is survived by her parents, Laurie Todd Paolini and Thomas Paolini, her siblings Sam Paolini and Andrew Paolini, and many relatives.

Chelsea was born November 22, 1989, in Burlington, VT. She demonstrated musical talent from an early age and established herself as a virtuoso rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter in her early teens. After leading several bands in high school, Chelsea founded the power-trio People Skills, where her songwriting, singing, and guitar shredding (on her cherished Gibson SG) became legendary.

More often than not, Chelsea’s performances were a family affair, with brother Andrew on drums, with banners, promotional flyers, and other artwork provided by older sibling Sam, and with her parents and relatives cheering her on in the audience.

Later, as a solo artist with just an acoustic guitar, Chelsea continued to wow audiences from Dover, NH, to Denver, CO.

Chelsea was known not only for her musical creativity but also for her kindness, sensitivity, and infectious sense of adventure, silliness, and fun. She had a deep love and connection to animals, especially dogs.

When she wasn’t perfecting her craft, Chelsea was helping others. Whether she was teaching piano to a colleague, subsidizing new and upcoming bands in the area, raising funds for those in need, providing a place for a friend to sleep, or driving several hours on a moment’s notice to help a companion, Chelsea never hesitated to provide support.

Chelsea also possessed a fierce dedication to many social causes. She was never afraid to speak her mind, challenging bullying on the Internet, misogyny, and patriarchy. She provided a voice for female musicians, victims of abuse, or those with emotional and mental illnesses.

In life and through her music, Chelsea demonstrated courage by baring her soul in what she wrote, sang, and played. She was never afraid to tackle complex, dark subjects, which she artfully blended with inspirational, memorable melodies.

Her musical legacy and spirit live on through her multiple albums and recorded performances and in the countless lives she touched.

A Celebration of Chelsea's Life will be held Monday, Dec. 20, 2021, beginning at 5 p.m. with a sharing of photos, followed by words and music at 6 p.m. and the sharing of a meal at 7 p.m. Dress is casual (wigs and bows are encouraged).

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