Pauline Tamborello

Pauline Tamborello passed from this life on Monday the 22nd of January 2024. Pauline was born on the 6th of November 1929, to Carl Ditta and Frances Saporito. She attended Holy Name primary school and then Incarnate Word Academy. She was in one of the first classes at the University of St. Thomas.

Pauline married James “Jimmy” Tamborello on the 9th of October 1949. They had four children: Virginia “Ginger” Tamborello, Mary Frances Camarata, Judy Orlando, and Gus Tamborello.

Pauline was a woman of great faith, and she lived her life with unconditional love. She was dedicated to her husband of 74 years and to her children. After Ginger contracted polio at age three, Pauline made sure Ginger got the best of care. She did whatever it took to make sure Ginger not only survived, but thrived. She continued to support and encourage Ginger throughout her life until Ginger’s untimely death in July of 2020. She accompanied Mary to doctor appointments and supported her in her illness. Pauline stood by Judy’s side through Judy’s cancer treatment, and she was able to celebrate Judy being free of cancer. Prior to her illness, Pauline talked daily to Gus, whom she called her “heart”, and always encouraged him in the various challenges he faced with his legal cases. She always assured him that everything would be just fine, and it usually was.

Pauline was a teacher and then worked beside Jimmy in their grocery store for many years. After they closed the store, Pauline went on to become a fine jewelry sales super star at Foley’s and then Macy’s. She was also a woman of amazing hospitality. Everyone was welcome at her table, where she served delicious Italian food. No one ever left her house hungry or without something to take home for later.

Pauline had many dear friends, some of whom she socialized with in the Neo Debs, a club of Italian-American women, Maria Del Balzo, an Italian-Catholic group of women devoted to the Blessed Mother, and the St. Rose of Lima Altar Guild.

Pauline is survived by her husband, Jimmy, who turned 99 years old the day after her passing. She is also survived by her daughter, Mary Camarata, daughter, Judy Orlando, son-in-law, Luke Orlando, and son, Gus Tamborello. Pauline is also survived by her four grandchildren: Dana Orlando Pasket and her husband Joey, Matthew Orlando and his wife Cindy, Tiffany Camarata Calhoun and her husband Allen, and Laurie Orlando Herbert and her husband Justin, and by eleven great-grandchildren: Kaylie Pasket, Kenzie Pasket, Kelsie Pasket, Andrew Orlando, Jack Orlando, Anthony Calhoun, Adriana Calhoun, Michael Calhoun. Ryleigh Herbert, Jacob Herbert, and James Herbert. She is also survived by her brother, Bernard Ditta, sister-in-law, Josie Ditta, and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She reunited in Heaven with her beloved daughter, Ginger, her parents, her brother, Vincent Ditta, her sister-in-law and dear friend, Jeanette Puccio, and other family and friends.

The Tamborello family would also like to thank Pauline’s wonderful caregivers, who treated her with love and provided her with great care these last several years. With their help, Pauline was able to stay in her own home until the very end.

Friends are cordially invited to greet the family during a visitation from eleven o'clock in the morning until half-past noon on Monday, the 29th of January, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 3600 Brinkman St. in Houston, where the Mass of Christian Burial is to immediately follow.

The Rite of Committal is to follow, via escorted cortege, at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston.