Meet my Great Aunt Pauline, a WWII Navy Veteran who lived to be 105 years old. From military service to championship golf and milestone birthdays, her story is one worth remembering.
In honor of Veterans Day, I’d like to introduce you to my Great Aunt Pauline. Born in 1918, she served in the United States Navy during World War II, loved the game of golf, and lived an extraordinary life that spanned more than a century. As I reflect on the veterans in my own family, I am especially grateful for Aunt Pauline’s service and the example she set throughout her remarkable life
Since she was only 10 years older than her niece (my Mom), they were actually more like sisters than Aunt and niece. Once they were both married, the two couples socialized together and all became great friends. They remained close until my mother passed away in 2014.
I like to say that I was Aunt Pauline’s favorite Great Niece. Since it is my blog and my story, we will say that is a true fact. I have a couple of cousins that may disagree with me, but again, my blog, my story! Here we are ready to go the Valentine’s Dinner one February at the facility she lived in.
When Hurricane Charlie hit the Punta Gorda, Fl area where my Great Aunt lived at the time, she went to stay with her son in Virginia for 9 months. To help pass the time, she made this needlepoint for me. Petals & Porch Posts was the name of my flower shop I had when we lived in Illinois.
Aunt Pauline lived independently until the Fall of 2017. She was 99 when she moved into an assisted living in North Port, Fl. When her son found out that my husband really wanted to leave the cold of Illinois, he suggested we think about purchasing her house in Punta Gorda. That is how we came to live in Florida!
For her 100th birthday in April 2018, her son planned a surprise birthday party for her at the local golf club. I forgot to mention that Aunt Pauline was quite the golfer! She has made at least 1 hole in one. She won the President’s Cup at Deep Creek Golf club when she was 97! She played golf until she was 100 1/2 and often practiced her putting in the hallway at the assisted living!
My Great Aunt’s youngest brother’s son came to the party from Colorado. My cousin Jeff joined us as well. There was a big turn out for her surprise party.
The assisted living had a big party in August of 2018. Aunt Pauline, her son and her daughter in law attended.
Aunt Pauline was instrumental in starting the Deep Creek Women’s Golf association. The ladies of the Golf association still include her in their festivities and come to visit her. (pre Covid 19 ) .
Aunt Pauline was such an amazing individual! Below is her birthday celebration from her 104th birthday. Dave & I joined her son and daughter -in-law in taking her to lunch at her favorite restaurant. We tried to go see her once a week.
After lunch, we went back to the assisted living for a small cupcake party. She was feeling a little sassy, I think!
For her 102nd birthday, we were unable to have a real party for her due to Covid-19,. We made signs and had a social distancing visit.
She tolerated the quarantine at the assisted living as best she could. She filled her time doing puzzles, reading, and watching the Golf Channel.
Speaking of golf, Aunt Pauline modeled her favorite golf attire at a fashion show one August! She walked the catwalk like a real professional model!
April 2023, We celebrated her 105th birthday! Happy Birthday, Aunt Pauline! I hope I can be 1/2 as spry as you were!
The activity director at the facility sent the information into the Today show.
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Sadly, she passed away in January 2024 , just 70 days short of her 106th birthday! I was asked to make a “casket spray” for her casket. I used one of the hats she made as the base. At the end of the service, I placed the hat on her casket and then asked the family members to place a fresh rose next to the hat.
Another Favorite WW2 veteran –
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Wow she sounds like quite a gal! How nice for you to be near her in Florida!!!!
Yes she is! I am so happy to be able to spend time with her. Thanks for reading!
Wow, your Aunt Pauline impressed me! I live seeing her zest for life throughout her days. Thanks for sharing this remarkable woman.
Thank you, Debbie! She was an amazing woman! I am very blessed to have been able to spend quality time with her the last few years of her life.