Pauline Brown

Pauline Brown was a woman who always put others before herself. Growing up during the Depression she quickly learned to cherish her family, a value she would keep for the rest of her life. Pauline will be forever remembered as a devoted and loving mother and a faithful wife.

Pauline was the first of 10 children born to John and Madeline Wagner on December 5, 1910 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She loved her family of 5 younger brothers and 4 younger sisters. During her early life, the flu epidemic left an impression on her. She recalls the sight of hearses going by her home daily.

As a young gal, Pauline was given the responsibility of taking the streetcar downtown to pay the mortgage on the family home. She exhibited the character trait of determination even at the age of 13 years. When she was given a coupon for a free photo of herself she dressed in her best clothing and went downtown to redeem that coupon. To this day the family treasures this photo of her in her long curls. When Pauline was 15 years old, her parents decided to sell their Grand Rapids home and move out to California. Her father heard of work opportunities in California. The family was there for a short time because there were very few jobs and it was too hot and dry. On the return trip to Michigan, Pauline’s father hired a driver to drive the family back to Michigan. The large truck housed and transported the 10 children plus mom and dad and the truck driver.

When the Great Depression hit the country, Pauline made the decision to leave school in the 10th grade and seek employment. She took a job at Evan’s Printing Company as a typesetter and proofreader where she worked in this printing business. During most of this period of time, she gave her wages to her parents to support the family. This unselfish act continues to be a tribute to Pauline. Also while working at Evan’s Printing she displayed characteristics of courage and perseverance. She went on a one-woman strike because she was asked many times to stay late and work overtime and take the late street car home. She worked continuously with no increase in pay. When Pauline didn’t show up for work one day, the bosses wondered where their excellent worker was. She was at home striking. She requested a $.05 hour increase. When she returned to work, she got it! She showed her quiet but courageous personality.

During a time in her young adult life, Pauline met her future husband, Clayton, at the Grand Rapids farmer’s market. This relationship blossomed and lead to marriage. Together the couple raised five children, four boys and one girl. One of their family trips was to the Black Hills, camping along the way. Another event was the tornado that struck the family home on 108th street on April 3, 1956. Pauline and her family recall their mother being on the phone and saying she had to go. The noise of the tornado was described like the sound of 40 freight trains. When the family emerged from the basement, their large barn was leveled and every window in their farmhouse was blown out. The temperature dropped dramatically and Pauline took care of her family with the quiet resourcefulness that she so often did.

After Pauline’s time of raising her five children, she sought employment and worked as a sewer for Baby Bliss and Kessler’s. This is also the time that Pauline and her husband, Clayton, moved from 108th street to the Wayland farm. She enjoyed her homegrown Macintosh apples from their Wayland farm and made her famous “applesauce.” Pauline even taught her daughter-in-laws how to make this sauce. Pauline had a playful spirit whenever you played cards with her. She spent time playing Uno and Crazy Eights with her grown children and grandchildren. Pauline’s interest was also in farming and belonged to the Grange which awarded her a 50 year membership certificate. She also was involved in the Friendship Club. Pauline and Clayton found time when they were 70 years old to travel and see the country. They left for 6-8 weeks pulling their pop-up camper and putting their feet in buckets of water to cool them while traveling through the desert.

When Clayton passed away in 1994, Pauline left the Wayland farm and made her home at Breton Meadows Apartments. She lived there independently making her meals and making new friends. Pauline continued her cooking interest by reading recipes and sharing recipes. She would reach out by calling family and friends and writing cards and notes. She looked forward to her social/coffee times on Wednesday and Saturdays at her Breton home. She was concerned with politics and the world situation and kept an interest in life and others. She always wanted to know how you were doing. Her quiet mannerisms, courage, sense of humor and deep concern for others are some of the characteristics of Pauline Brown.

After 93 years of a long and loving life Pauline Brown left this world to join her Lord on May 20, 2004. Her husband, Clayton, preceded her in death. Pauline’s memory will survive in the heart’s of her five children: Dennis (Charlene) Brown of Dorr, Duane (Ginny) Brown of Caledonia, Bonnie (Tony) Boonstra of Ottawa, Canada, Paul (Marcia) Brown of Holland, and Lawrence (Maureen) Brown of East LeRoy, 18 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; her brothers and sisters, Leonard (Evelyn) Wagner, Andrew (Selma) Wagner, Nancy (Donald) Haga all of Grand Rapids, Matilda (Philip) Hale of Williamsburg, Virginia, and Ann Joyce of Middleville; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. Pauline was preceded in death by her brothers John, Herman, and James Wagner and sister Jeanette Van Dam. Friends are invited to meet with Pauline’s family on Sunday from 2-5 PM at the Van’t Hof Chapel, 851 Leonard NW, Grand Rapids 49504. The funeral service will be held on Monday, May 24, 2004 at 11 AM at the funeral chapel with Rev. Tony Boonstra officiating. Private interment will follow in Marne Cemetery on Monday. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to read Pauline’s life story, submit a memory, or make a memorial contribution to the American Heart Association, Hospice of West Michigan, or a charity of your choice.

Pauline’s caring nature and love for others will serve as an example to those who were fortunate enough to share this remarkable woman’s life.