Pauline Helen Schloss (June 29, 1925 – March 24, 2020)

Posted on by Pete Schloss

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The closest that she ever came to flirting with an untruth was to claim that she was 5’2” tall. The only sign of anger that she ever gave was to include middle names when calling any of her four sons… Peter Michael, JD (Christine), Patrick Joseph, PhD (Maureen), Philip William, CDR USN Ret. (Kathy), and Paul Kevin.

Born in 1925 to Lebanese immigrant parents, Joseph and Labibe Frances, her heart was forever connected to her West Virginia roots.

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Her parents valued education and encouraged her to explore life pursuits unfamiliar to most women of her time. She sought a career in Physical Education, receiving her Master’s Degree at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. It was there that she met her soulmate, Peter Schloss (1922-2009).

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He too was the child of immigrant parents, Germans from Russia, and hailed from North Dakota. Fresh from his duties as a soldier in the European theater of WW2 he arrived at Madison to pursue post graduate work in Physical Education. Their origins could not have been more different. Arabic was the language of her home and German the language of his. She from the mountains of West Virginia and he from the plains of North Dakota. Nevertheless, education, athletics, and their shared Catholic faith were the bridges that joined Pete and Pauline’s otherwise contrasted lives. They married in 1949 and moved to Illinois where they made their home and pursued their careers.

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In the 1950’s Pete and Pauline became the proud parents of 4 sons. The “6 PS’s” made their home in South Holland Illinois, moving to Crete Illinois in 1966. Pete and Pauline remained lifelong residents of Crete, and parishioners at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Monee, Illinois. Pauline retired from her teaching position at Thornwood High School in 1988, and Peter preceded Pauline in death in 2009. Pauline’s indominable spirit and extroverted nature kept her engaged in many of her favorite pursuits, golf, bridge, Women’s Club, and cheering on her favorite teams from the Universities of West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Notre Dame. She was also blessed with the love of her 9 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

In her later years, Pauline assumed the role of family matriarch with accomplished grace. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren made their homes across the United States, but it was Pauline and her home in Illinois that continued as a bond for the family. She will be missed, but her legacy of love and devotion to family, friends, and community will live on in those whose lives she touched.

Peace Everyone. Peter Schloss

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24 thoughts on “Pauline Helen Schloss (June 29, 1925 – March 24, 2020)”

  1. Sasa says:

    May her beautiful soul rest in peace. You are so blessed to have spent all your life memories with her. Celebrate her life and remember her for the good times you shared with her. Love Sasa

  2. Babe Wiley says:

    Hugs, Peter. My mom passed 3/10/1992 and not a day goes by i don’t think of her. It’s really hard to lose those you care about. I never met your mom but thru her caring posts to you following your journal logs. She obviously loved and cared for her family. Sometimes there are no words to convey solace, so I will just share a virtual hug.

  3. Mary Grimaldi says:

    Pete, I’m glad she does not have to be a part of this Covid 19 stuff. Of course she was a Wonder Woman. I only need to look at her son. I know you & Chris will Miss her a lot.

  4. Ann says:

    Pete and Christine I am so sorry for your loss . Polly will be in our prayers.
    Thinking of you and your extended family at this time.

  5. Liz Stevens says:

    Hi Peter .. I don’t know what happened to my previous post. Anyway – there is always a hole left in the tapestry of our lives when our Mother’s die. It does feel like we are orphans – no matter what our age. I didn’t know your mother but I used to scroll down on your posts just to see her comments, she always made me smile. Her love for you and her concern for your well being were evident. Sending you a hug – from afar .. I hope she is at peace. I hope your memories will carry you. I suspect she will be looking down on you …and that in itself makes me smile – still.

  6. Carol Burrey says:

    So sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother, Pete. It has only been weeks since Christine’s father passed, hasn’t it? Peace and grace to you, your children, and grandchildren at this difficult time and may all those wonderful memories sustain you.

  7. Pam says:

    So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing, Pete. She sounded like she was quite the lady. In reading your blogs Polly participated with notes of encouragement and her concern of your safety while you and Chris were on your travels. I’m sure you have a lot of great memories of your mom that you will cherish forever.

  8. Steve says:

    I know that it is not news to you Pete, but we can all see that you are a lucky man to have had such a loving, caring mother. My deepest condolences to you and yours.

  10. Pete Schloss says:

    Thank you all for your kind wishes and condolences. I too will miss seeing my Mother’s comments. She always wanted me to know that she read each of my posts.

  11. Julie Baliva says:

    Thanks for sharing your mom’s life with us this way. Our sympathies and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. It is a difficult and very changing time when our family structure changes like this. You all have a lot of fond memories to treasure. Blessings, Julie and Dom

  12. Bill says:

    At a time of loss tradition is to come together and give support. It is impossible at this time of crisis, so please know that you and your family are in our hearts and thoughts. A hug and condolences for your loss are attached to this message.

  13. SUSAN VAN ETTEN says:

    Polly was a wonderful woman and a great friend to our family, I always looked forward to seeing her and Paul at Church and breakfast as well as other occasions! She was interested in others and kept up to date on personal stories as well as current events, She will be missed.

  14. Phyllis Kasper says:

    My sincerest condolences to all the family, especially Paul. I will always miss her and so happy for her peaceful passage to heaven. I hope she finds a foursome for bridge in her new home!!!

  15. Ted Wienstroer says:

    Pete, wish I could come over and give you and Christine a big hug. This will have to do for now. Wish I had known your mom, in a way, I do, though you. Stay well.

  16. Tom Grimaldi says:

    Pete
    I just re-read your beautiful tribute to your mom. She sounds like a wonderful woman, and she would have loved reading your tribute to her life. You and Chris have had a rough several months Hang in there — you have a lot of friends thinking about you and praying you can find peace.

    Tom

  18. Cheryl Pound says:

    Pete, Every time I ever heard you speak of your mom….I heard her love and character in your voice. Once again your gift of writing has been used to honor. Peace.

  20. Pat Adcock says:

    Pete and Family, I send my deepest condolences to all of you. I taught at Thornwood with Polly since 1970 so that is 18 years. But we remained connected throughout the years because I too have lived in CRete since 1976. Polly was as you stated always involved in something. As a member of the CRete Woman’s Club I would see her most years at the annual garden walk or dining at a local restaurant. Her activities allowed her to be engaged and interesting. I moved recently to a townhouse and some of my new neighbors knew her through bridge club. I have a wonderful memory of being at the house with our entire women’s PE department and sledding down your yard. Your giant dog would fetch a shot put. Your Mom and Dad were fantastic hosts.
    Polly was always so proud of the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren and great grandchildren. And she once told me Paul was a great comfort and companion to her in her old age.
    I remember seeing on your mailbox the P. Schloss’s and that’s when I found out the Pete, Patrick, Philip, Pauline, and Paul made up the family.
    I know you will surely miss her spirit, energy, and presence but I hope you also will know the lives she touched remember her as well.

    • Pete Schloss says:

      Pat, thank you so much. I do believe that I remember you from sledding that hill 50 years ago. And that giant dog was the best friend that I, as a teenager, could have ever wanted…

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