Obituary of Pauline E. Humphrey

Pauline Humphrey of Whitewater, WI, left this earth to join her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 29, 2010, after a brave and courageous struggle with cancer. Pauline was a kind and generous woman who lived a life that touched her friends and family with deep love, consistent unselfishness, and sincere thoughtfulness. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister-in-law, and friend. Her many talents and charitable acts of kindness brightened days for those near and far. Pauline was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Whitewater for 64 years. She was a dedicated member of the church Prayer Chain since its inception and was also an active member of both the United Methodist Women and the Christian Women�s Association. The later organization honored her with a Lifetime Membership Award for many years of devoted service including more than two decades as their book chairman. An active parent in the Mother�s Club of Lima Center School, Pauline was a 4-H project leader and a parent volunteer with the Children of the American Revolution. She was also a member of the �Do Nothing Club� whose members were neighbors who gathered monthly for fun, food, and fellowship, ultimately creating deep and lasting friendships. Pauline touched the lives of many through her written notes, cards, and letters. She was remarkably faithful in her remembrances of others. In addition to her personal writing gifts to friends and family, she was an exceptional cook and the baker of tasty fudgy brownies and delectable banana bread. She had an extensive doll collection which re-created special memories for her and for others. Pauline was born in Chicago, Illinois, on April 20, 1930, the daughter of Erna and Walter Baden. Her family moved to Lima Township, Wisconsin, when she was a teenager. On September 14, 1946 she wed Philip Bower Humphrey to whom she was married for nearly sixty years until his death on February 20, 2006. Together they had five children and cared for and raised a number of foster children. Surviving are 3 sons, Philip Humphrey, Jr. (Sue Marx) of Helenville, Donald (Valerie) Humphrey of New Brunswick, New Jersey, Rick (Chris) Humphrey of Whitewater, one daughter, Holly (Duane Follman) of Hinsdale, Illinois. Other survivors include 2 brothers, Jack (Nancy) Bauman of Greenfield, Wisconsin and Paul (Ryoko) Blum of Salt Lake City, Utah, and a brother-in-law, Dr. Thomas Fountaine of Bedford, Indiana. Her beloved grandchildren include: Sarah, Benjamin, and Hannah Follman, 5 step-grandchildren: Patrick Schramski of Delavan, Shawn Schramski of Anchorage, Alaska, Bryan Baumann of West Patterson, New Jersey, Scott (Blanca) McLean of Janesville and Keri (Mike) Hill of Fort Atkinson, and 4 step great-grandchildren: Carter Hill, Hailey McLean, and Devon and Briana. Many very dear nieces, nephews, and cousins are included among her survivors. She was preceded in death by her husband, Phil Humphrey, Sr., her daughter, Sally Humphrey, her parents, and 2 brothers and one sister. Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, October 9, 2010, at The First United Methodist Church, Whitewater, WI, with Pastors David Kalas and Kimberly Brumm officiating. Friends may call beginning at 10 am prior to services at the church. Memorial gifts may be made in memory of Pauline Humphrey to the First United Methodist Church, 145 S. Prairie, Whitewater, WI or to Rainbow Hospice, 147 W. Rockwell St. Jefferson, WI 53549.