Pauline Raughley, age 101, of Wilmington, DE passed away peacefully on October 15, 2023.
She was born Pauline Emelia Melhunek and raised in Dover, DE. The youngest of five children Pauline was daughter of the late Pauline and John Melhunek.
She attended a 1-room schoolhouse for 5 years before attending school in Dover, graduating from Dover High School in 1940.Pauline then attended Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH, graduating with a degree in Elementary Education. She taught in Bucyrus, OH during World War II, for two years. She reunited with her high school sweetheart, Francis H. Raughley Jr., and they were married in 1945 while Francis was still in the Army. Pauline taught kindergarten at Fort Knox and then taught in New Castle, DE while Francis completed his degree from University of Delaware.
They bought land on Foulk Road in Wilmington in 1952 where they built their house, and where they pursued their interest in horticulture, through landscaping the property and developing an extensive rhododendron and azalea collection. They were active in numerous national and local garden organizations. They had two daughters, Anne Marie and Paulette and Pauline went back to teaching full time in the 60’s, first at Foulk Elementary and then Forwood Elementary, retiring in 1983. Pauline was a dedicated and much-loved teacher. She then enjoyed taking classes at the University of Delaware Academy of Lifelong Learning and attending Elderhostel in many states and countries.
Pauline volunteered her entire adult life, at her church, Unicef and the Ronald McDonald House at Nemours children hospital. Pauline and Francis were charter members of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and it remained an important part of her life.
Francis preceded her in death in 2008 after 62 years of marriage. She was a resident of Forwood Manor in Wilmington, DE. She spent her final years at Shipley Manor. We are grateful for the kindness she was shown during that time.
Pauline is survived by her 2 daughters, Rose Anne Zerra (Paul) and Paulette Raughley (Ron Gervason); her grandson, David & Luke Zerra (Laura DiPanfilo) and great-granddaughter, Lucy. She was also preceded in death by her 4 siblings.
A visitation will be held at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 1530 Foulk Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803 on October 19 from 10-11 am followed by a funeral service at 11 am. Burial will be private at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the church memorial fund or a charity of your choice.
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
