Pauline Lundy

Pauline was born October 2, 1926 in Chester, PA. She grew up in Garden City, PA in the house her father built by hand. She thought it was a perfect place for a kid. There was a creek to swim in during the summer, and hills to sled down during the winter, and a quiet street to roller skate.

As a child of the “Greatest Generation”, she understood hardships and sacrifices. During the depression years, their house was home to many aunts, uncles, cousins and her beloved Irish grandmother. Those were hard times, jobs and money scarce, but she would recall those memories with fondness and a smile.

Most of her teen years were during WWII. Pauline graduated in 1944 from Nether Providence High School, Garden City, PA. She was always an outstanding student, with the most beautiful handwriting.

During the War, ships came into the nearby Chester Shipyard for repairs. One of those ships, damaged during the Sicily Invasion, carried a young sailor from the Midwest, Robert (Bob) Lundy. They met, fell in love and married September 30, 1944. Just a few days later, he shipped out. When the war ended, he returned to Pauline. They shared almost 68 yrs. together, until his death February 23, 2011.

Like many young couples, after the War they started a family and headed west to California, looking for new opportunities. There were many moves in their years together, from coast to coast and lots of places in between; sometimes for work, a better life, a new adventure, or as in later years, to be closer to us, their family.

As the oldest and only daughter of five, I saw first-hand how much they sacrificed for, and valued their family.

My Mom started working in high school at the local drug store. She worked all through her life, holding many different jobs, while raising her family. Sometimes the jobs were hard and not glamorous, but she was always proud to have a job, helping to provide for her family was important. As the job market changed, she often took classes and training to adapt and improve her skills. She worked as a teacher’s aide, in manufacturing at Boeing and Douglas Aircraft, and as a manager for New Hampshire Insurance, just to name a few. After working at Sears for 10 years, she finally retired at the age of 76. Due to her kind nature, pride and work ethic, she was recognized and awarded many times throughout her career. Mom believed it wasn’t what you did, but how you did it.

Growing up, some of our moves meant living in very small places, especially for five children. Sometimes there were very little resources to work with, but Mom always seemed to find a way to make our new place home. She always took this in stride, adapting and accepting. Many items were lost with all that moving, but never the ties that has kept our family close. Mom and Dad instilled the importance of family, and we are fortunate to have a unique strong bond.

In later years, they would often take their grandkids on cross country road trips. They loved sharing that special time, seeing family, exploring historical places and just having so many fun memorable adventures.

For the last 23 years Mom and Dad called Marysville home. They bought a little “fixer-upper” in town, after updates and remodeling, they were able to enjoy their home for many years. Mom, an amazing cook, loved making family dinners and having us all there talking, laughing and playing games. Their home was like a magnet for us kids, always welcoming, comfortable and loving. As Dad’s health issues required more care, together they moved from their home to Merrill Gardens. Leaving her home was difficult, but as with everything that came along in life, she accepted this change.

Later when Dad moved to the Marysville Care Center, she drove everyday to be with him, talk and hold his hand, never missing a day. After Dad passed away, she really missed him and was lost for a bit, but as always, she accepted this saying, “It’s a different life without your father, I was so lucky.”

Mom enjoyed herself at Merrill Gardens. She loved playing Bingo and winning a dollar or two, listening to music, happy hours, Sunday drives, special events and all the kind and loving care and attention she received from the staff at Merrill Gardens. Even though she was coping with her own unbelievably difficult health issues, she always had a sweet smile and little wave for everyone. She was their “sweet Pauline.”

Mom was very proud of her Irish Catholic heritage. She looked forward to our annual family tradition of the Spokane Bloomsday Race, and proud she was still able to complete the race into her 60’s, in pretty good time.

She loved and appreciated the simple things in life; feeling the warmth of the sun, swimming, Sunday car rides, finishing the daily Jumble, Christmas time and all the lights, making dinner for her family, a cup of coffee, a glass of wine. It took so little to make her smile. Whether she saw your face or heard your voice, she was so happy; she made you feel like you had just made her day.

She was a “keeper”; a keeper of our childhood drawings, cards, little trinkets, our secrets, our hopes, our dreams and our hearts.

Our family would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Johanna Wang at The Everett Clinic. You took such wonderful care of our Mom, showing her kindness and respect. Also to Lisa, with The Everett Clinic’s Partners in Palliative Care, thank you for so many years of being available for both our Mom and Dad, only wanting the best quality of life for them, taking our calls, getting us through some very tough times, you cared about us as a family. As she wished, you helped Mom remain independent in the comfort of her own home. Finally, our thanks to her Providence Hospice team, for helping her be at home and say her good-byes on her terms, holding our hands and singing her favorite Irish songs.

She leaves behind her daughter Kathy (Larry)Marysville, sons Craig (Kelly) of Marysville, Robert Jr. (Debra) of Spokane, WA, Wayne of College Park, MD, and Michael (Kendra) of College Station, TX. Ten grandchildren; Khris, Karen, Nicole, Jonathan, Annie, Jessica, Ashley, Katie, Adrienne and Shannon. Four great-grandchildren; Brooklyn, Derek, Emma and Lexi.

Mom, it was your way to take what came along, you embraced the happy times, and accepted the sad, and these were teaching moments for us. You were a caring and loving wife, mother and grandma. Our hearts will always miss you, but your love will forever live within us. Salute Mom!!

Arrangements entrusted to Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home.