Pauline Smith Obituary

Pauline (Polly) was my cousin and was 9 months older than me! My brothers Steve, Bill, and I used to have a lot of fun together when her family visited Minnesota. My family visited Pauline, Tom, and Robin in the 1990's when they lived in Washington State. Polly was a gracious and fun-loving hostess! My thoughts and prayers go out to her family during this time of grief. Polly, you are now without pain and with Tom as well as your mom and dad and other family members!

I´ve known Pauline for almost 24 years, and have been her son-in-law for almost 22 of them. It has been an incredible blessing to be a part of her life, especially these last 12 years after her and Tom moved to our hometown of Gig Harbor. Her infectious smile and sincere kindness and hospitality brought me joy each and every time I was in her presence. I recall her sharing stories with me often about Ernie Banks and Ron Santo. Cubbies conversations brought her instant satisfaction! Having a strong faith in Jesus, we both encouraged each other over the years with our favorite Bible passages. I´m grateful to know that she is now in a much better place, void from any pain and suffering. I raise my glass to a wonderful mother-in-law who is sorely missed!

Grandma Pauline lived a life of love, inspiring her children to do the same. Her humor touched each of the Smiths, and her love was felt widely. I love her dearly and hope she has all the lemon things she can imagine now.

I miss you so much, and I wish we could have made so many more memories! One of my favorites things is how you raised your children and helped your family, which you did so well! Every day my mom compares us, and I feel proud that I am able to remind her of such an amazing person, love you!

Mischievous is certainly the perfect descriptor. I always thought of Pauline as the little red devil. She had a bright red coat that she often wore when she visited us and she was always making trouble-the good kind. Up for anything and with a great sense of humor. Certainly will always remember binge watching the original BBC "House of Cards" with her. Pauline will be missed.

I remember when I was younger I went with grandma to get some food. Me, grandma and dad all ate together I can´t quite remember what we ate but I remember afterwards grandma whispered in my ear to follow her for a "sweat treat" and together we went back to the food to get a couple scoops a rainbow sherbet together. That was the best rainbow sherbet I´ve ever had and I´ll never forget that day.

Pauline was such a great sister-in-law! I had only had 2 dates with Charlie before she shared her strong opinion about having a BIG wedding with all our friends and family, lots of music and dancing, food and flowers.
45 years later, I know I couldn't have joined a better family and I'm so thankful for Pauline. Her example throughout life was inspirational. She was so resilient in hard times, so joyful and fun-loving ALL the time, and such a loving Mom, friend, family member. What a gift to everyone who knew her! Pauline, you'll be missed SO much, but we'll see you on the other side, and start the party all over again. Much love, Diane

Mrs. Smith - a Schaumburg parenting legend. I have so many fond and ridiculous memories from my time in the Smith house - largely thanks to her. I remember the epic sleepover Halloween parties that were both amazingly fun and often terrifying (I think I´m probably still scared of that basement - I don´t know if I was ever able to actually sleep or if I just cowered in my sleeping bag until daylight). She was all in for any event. And she was ahead of her time - I know we made fun of her year-round holiday tree/branch. But I´m pretty sure those are ubiquitous in home stores now.
Being friends with Lisa since kindergarten meant Mrs. Smith was a fixture of pretty my entire youth. I´m grateful for that and for her.

I remember the awesome Halloween parties at your house with the best games. Also all the sleepovers we had and how much fun your mom made them. I am honored to have know her and to be a small part of your lives. I will cherish all the memories your family created with me.

Pauline´s parenting techniques may have been "unconventional," but she raised four amazing kids. Creative and encouraging, she had a brilliant knack for empowering those around her to feel loved, valued, supported, and capable. Some examples included signing Dave up for theater camp. Despite his initial refusal, he attended and excelled. She saw in him a performer. To this day, Dave entertains audiences around Chicago with his witty songwriting and performing. She invented physical challenges for Mike, like running up the slide at the playground in socks, the reward was a quarter. She saw in him the tenacity to do the impossible. Mike is an entrepreneur, a generous employer, and an avid weekend DIYer (tackling projects with a perfectionist´s eye and never-quit determination), always enlisting creativity to improve a situation. Pauline used the money she made as a nanny to enroll Lisa and Robin in dance. She saw the opportunities for expression (Lisa) and community (Robin). Lisa acquired a degree in dance therapy and, in time, became a social worker, helping people lead more comfortable lives. Robin is a teacher, continuing Pauline´s tradition of empowering children in her community to reach their potential.

Which were the "three she loved and the one she tolerated"? Let´s chalk that comment up to the unconventional sense of humor she imparted to her obituary-writing children. She loved in a way that made a person feel seen and understood, with all her heart.

It´s been an honor to be her daughter-in-law. I am grateful for her influence, love, and humor.

As Pauline´s younger brother, I witnessed firsthand how Pauline consistently lifted up Lewis and I throughout our high school and college years.

Her main personal strength and gift was encouragement.
Wherever she was, at work, with family, friends or neighbors, Pauline had the unique gift of `lifting them up in their spirits´.

One funny memory: in high school, Pauline and 3 friends had a sleepover in a tent in our backyard. About 4 am, another neighbor, Del (in high school) snuck 3 chickens into her tent, resulting in huge raucous- laughing & chickens screeching.

Pauline was indeed a Blessing from the Lord!

Charlie Dokmo

I grew up going to Pauline´s home every week. She made it a warm and welcoming place for friends to gather. Pauline is the mother of one of my lifelong friends. We were known as the Robi(y)ns. Pauline always opened the door and her home with a smile and open arms...as long as you took your shoes off in her house. I appreciate this now as an adult. She hosted the most fun theme parties including a 50s theme where a houseful of teens dressed in Pauline´s beloved 50s style. Visiting her again after their move to Washington, she opened the door with a huge smile and a hug. I feel lucky to have so many memories in the Smith home over the years. I hope her children and grandchildren find comfort in the memories of Pauline as a warm, fun, always smiling mother and grandmother.