Pauline Lowe

No matter what her circumstances, Pauline Lowe always found a way to embrace the moment, even those times that were so very difficult. Much of her resilience was due to the vibrant faith she possessed that gave her both the hope and the strength she needed to move forward. Pauline worked hard throughout her lifetime, was resourceful, and completely devoted to caring for her family. She was blessed to share much of her life with her one true love with whom she wrote an eloquent love story for nearly 60 years. Like the “heavenly blue” morning glories she loved, Pauline’s beauty and grace was so easy to appreciate.

During a year in which short skirts were high fashion for women of the time, business was the future of America, and the first religious service was broadcast across the airwaves, 1921 was part of a time in our nation’s history that is often referred to as the “Roaring Twenties.” This was a significant year in the family of Gerald and Bertha (Roberts) Abbott as they were rejoicing in the birth of their daughter, Pauline, on January 21st. Pauline was born in Maple Rapids, Michigan and was the oldest of seven children in her family. She was raised in the family home in Maple Rapids throughout her formative years and in fact, Pauline called the Maple Rapids area home throughout the majority of her lifetime. Pauline attended local schools and graduated as the salutatorian of the Maple Rapids High School class of 1939 out of 17 students in her class. Of great significance during her years as a student was a fellow classmate she met on the playground as a young girl. His name was James Lowe and he was two years her senior. A dating relationship between Pauline and Jim began while they were in high school.

With her formal education behind her, Pauline went to work in her father’s grocery store. A short time later she became a telephone operator in St. Johns. Although Pauline and Jim were separated while he was serving in the Army, her sweetheart remained forever in her thoughts. These were the days of WWII and while Jim was home on leave, they were united in marriage on December 6, 1942. The couple exchanged their vows before the Sunday morning service at the Congregational Christian Church. After their ceremony, Pauline and Jim attended the church service and then their reception followed. Not long after their wedding, Jim returned to Florida where he was stationed. Pauline joined him in Florida where they lived at the Kozy Kountry Kottages. The couple was soon blessed with the birth of their first daughter but just six weeks after her birth, Jim shipped out, bound for Africa.

Once Jim was discharged from the Army, he returned to Michigan. They lived on and worked several rented farms before they purchased their own farm on Hoover Road in 1960. Pauline and Jim also welcomed four more children into their hearts as well. Times were tough as they were raising their family and although there wasn’t money for the “extras,” they always managed to get by. Pauline was thrifty and resourceful which attributed greatly to their success. She could whip up a meal out of just about anything and would often alter a recipe in order to accommodate the ingredients she had on hand. They always had large gardens too from which Pauline was not only able to create hearty meals, but she also canned much of their plentiful yield. She sewed often as well using her mother’s Treadle sewing machine for years.

Although caring for her family kept Pauline quite busy, there were other aspects to her life also. She learned to play the piano at a young age and she continued to play throughout her life – even into her eighties. Pauline was also a lifelong member of the Congregational Christian Church where she and Jim became husband and wife. She was very active in the Order of the Eastern Star. Pauline and Jim enjoyed spending time together and they played cards in a card club every month for years. She also worked for about six years as an assistant cook for the Maple Rapids school system.

For many years, Pauline and Jim enjoyed a fulfilling marriage - they celebrated their golden anniversary in 1992. Pauline was deeply saddened with the death of her beloved Jim on December 12, 2000 which left her alone for the first time in 58 years. Her life would never be the same after Jim’s death although she drew strength from both her family and her faith during the days that followed. Pauline even kept his jacket hanging near the back door as a reflection that he was never far from her heart. She did her best to enjoy her interests throughout the rest of her life. Pauline liked watching television, especially cooking shows, and her “soapies” too, most notably Guiding Light. She also found joy in her favorite flower, “heavenly blue” morning glories.

Pauline Lowe was a delightful woman who brought so much joy to all those within her reach. She lived a long and fulfilling life loving the family who brought her such joy. Pauline worked hard, yet made time to enjoy life too, often just tending to the daily needs of her household. Although her family and friends now say goodbye, they will forever be so thankful for the many moments they were given to share with such a remarkable woman.

Pauline C. Lowe died on November 29, 2009. Pauline is survived by her daughters, Jean (Scott) McIntyre and Mary (Joseph) Gavenda; her sons, Robert Lowe, Daniel (Carol) Lowe and Frederick (Vicki) Lowe. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 6 step grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 17 step great grandchildren; sister, Lucille Paine; brothers, Richard (Janet) Abbott, Donald (Marje) Abbott; sister-in-law, Lois Lowe and many nieces and nephews. Pauline was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, sister, Doris Abbott and brothers, Leslie Abbott and Rodney Abbott. Funeral services will be Thursday, December 3, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the Maple Rapids Congregational Christian Church and burial will be at the Sowle Cemetery with Pastor Jerry Kissling officiating. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Abbott Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guest book, or make a memorial contribution to Hospice House of Mid-Michigan or the Sowle Cemetery.