Pauline Jacinta Bowe was born on June 15, 1940. She was the first of three children born to Franklin and Juanita Walker. Pauline was raised in Jamaica, New York, attended and graduated from New York City Public Schools (P.S. 50, J.H.S. 142, and John Adams High School). During her childhood, Pauline became friends with two girls in her neighborhood, Barbara Martin Rooney and Betty Williams Scott. The friendships lasted throughout their lives. In kindergarten, Pauline would convince her mother to go out of the way to walk Barbara home even though she lived closer to the school.

Barbara introduced Pauline to Milton when she was 15 years old. She was not immediately fond of him but eventually he won her over. They dated, fell madly in love and were married on June 14, 1959. They started their life together in Jamaica, Queens where their first child, Monique, was born. They eventually moved to Astoria, Queens where they were doubly blessed and surprised with the birth of twins, Milton and Maria. Subsequently, Pauline and Milton moved their family to Uniondale after their friends, Clarence and Judith Redd encouraged them to join them on Long Island.

Pauline worked for New York Telephone as a clerk in Jamaica, Queens. She then moved on to Lenox Hill Hospital where she worked as a Medical Coder. She continued her career as a Medical Coder at Long Island Jewish Hospital until she retired in 1998. Pauline also worked as a server for a catering business as well as a clerk at TJ Maxx.

Pauline loved her life and she loved to travel. She went to Rome where she had an audience with Pope John Paul where she felt the presence of God. She was a faithful woman who prayed the rosary twice a day after her mother’s untimely passing. After retirement, Pauline and Milton were again inspired to move to Lecanto, Florida by their friends. They started a new life that allowed them to meet new people and create new friendships and take adventures. She also loved cruising with the Afro American Club and trips to the Caribbean with the love of her life and her family. They joined St. Benedict’s Catholic Church where

Pauline served as a Eucharistic Minister and sang, “Surely God is in this Place” during many masses. Pauline also joined The Red Hat Society and loved to get dressed up to attend Red Hat functions. Pauline’s love of people and those in need led her to buy Secret Santa gifts and to “adopt” many children in the church and community. She loved Trunk or Treat and would delight in giving the children all the ice cream they wanted. Although Milton Sr. protested, Pauline also adopted Saba, the family dog, and found comfort in spending time with her. Saba could always be found sitting on the chaise at her side. She called Saba her baby and it was evident that the love was mutual.

Pauline’s illness came to light more than three years ago. The prospect of her illness was devastating to Milton, Pauline, the entire family and her friends. The journey that ensued was painful and difficult to endure. Pauline’s strong will was evident in her determination to live and struggle to maintain her independence. In spite of her efforts, the illness was stronger than her will and her family’s love and support.

Pauline’s passing leaves a tremendous void in the hearts and lives of: Milton~her husband of 55 years, her daughter~Monique, her son~Milton, Jr., her daughter~Maria, her grandson~Joseph (Angel), her granddaughter ~Nia, her great-grandson~Jayden, her sister~Dolores Whaley, her brother ~Cecil (Carol) Walker, her Aunt Levanna (Robert) Smith, her cousin ~Haydee (Antonio) Quinones, her cousin ~Mikal (Susan) Abdul Mateen, her nephew~David (Vanessa) Carter, her great nephews~Michael, David Jordan and Brian as well as a host of other loving family and friends.

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