Pauline Jean "Paula" (Smith) VandeVelde, 85, passed away Wednesday (June 20, 2012) at Brooks Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.
She was a resident of the Chautauqua County Home for almost seven months and formerly lived for 61 years at 7 New York Ave., Dunkirk, surrounded by wonderful friends.
Pauline was born on December 14, 1926 in Westfield, NY, the daughter of the late Gerald K. and Hazel Marie (VanGiesen) Smith.
She graduated from Brocton High School with a secretarial degree. She was employed at Fredonia Seed, P & G Foods and re-tired from Grants. After her retirement, she worked at School #4 for Marriott as a breakfast and lunch cashier.
She loved NASCAR with Tony Stewart being her favorite driver. She loved watching The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful.
Pauline was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ.
Surviving is her friend and caregiver, Patricia Ball of Fredonia, NY. She is further survived by a family friend, Johnette Crane of Westfield, NY; helper and friend, James Jaffray of Dunkirk, NY; son Bryan VandeVelde of Anaheim, Calif.; one granddaughter; one great-grandson; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Frank J. VandeVelde, whom she married March 1, 1947 and who died July 30, 1998; a son, Troy L. VandeVelde on Feb. 19, 2004; her brother, Brenton H. Smith (Jan. 4, 2008); and her faithful dog, Lester.
According to Pauline's wishes, there will be no visitation. A private graveside memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Lake Shore Humane Society, P.O. Box 12, Fre-donia, NY 14063. Arrangements are by the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.
