December 19, 1935 - March 17, 2023
In loving memory ~
Our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Pauline Fofonoff, 87 passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 17, 2023. She is joining the love of her life, William J., her son Richard, her siblings Ted, Bill, and Vera, grandson Shawn and many family and friends in Heaven. She will lovingly be remember by her children, Debbie (Gary), Rob (Lorraine), Rod (Cheryl), grandchildren Ashley (Ryan), Kayla (Jeff), great grandchildren Joelle, Vienna and Jaxx, brother John, sister-in-law Mona, nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
Pauline was born at home on December 19, 1935 in Grand Forks, BC to Polly and Bill Chernoff. Growing up, Pauline loved school (especially learning math), playing basketball, and spending time with friends. Even as a young girl, she was an excellent seamstress, cook, and homemaker. She was a fun-loving teenager and popular with friends. She often rode her bike around the community and caught the eye of William J. Fofonoff when she was 15. They fell in love and married on August 8, 1953 and were blessed with Debbie, Richard, Robert, and Rodney.
Pauline worked at the Grand Forks Secondary School, BCTel and later, was the community representative for Tupperware. She was entrepreneurial and co-owned the Sunshine Enterprise Shake and Shingle Mill with Bill. Pauline loved entertaining and hosting family and friends. Her family meant everything to her and was her proudest accomplishment. If there was a celebration to be had, Pauline was at the centre: organizing, cooking, and hosting. She made Christmases magical as they included sleigh-rides, Santa's, 100's of cookies and decorations galore!
Pauline's favourite season was summer where she enjoyed gardening (sometimes by moonlight!) in order to enjoy swimming at the lake and river during the day. She loved spending time in the water with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved travelling to visit family from coast-to- coast. She excelled at baking, quilting, and most other handicrafts. Pauline could make something beautiful out of just about anything and would give away her creations to her family, friends, and her community. She was generous, kind, and loving.
Pauline was known as an "energizer bunny" - she often accomplished more in one day than many of us did in a week! Losing her sight was one of the hardest challenges of her life as she was no longer able to create or cook as she had done in years before. However, even with the loss of her eyesight, Pauline continued to go for walks, enjoy visits, dress well, and exercise with her friends at the Silver Kettle.
Pauline lived independently in the Silver Kettle for the last four years. She will be missed by friends and staff. Pauline passed away after a brief period under medical care. Thank you to all of her friends at The Gospel Chapel for their love and support. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and caregivers at the Silver Kettle, Grand Forks and Trail Hospitals, and Hardy View Lodge.
Pauline has been cremated and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. We will always remember the twinkle in her eye and smile on her face.
We love you, Mom.