It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Pauline, our loving and devoted wife, mother, Gran, sister, aunt and friend. Pauline passed away at her home in Cobourg on March 22, in her 85th year, after a long battle with illness.
Loving wife of husband James Leonard Graham. Beloved mother of Chris (Normand Gallant), Carey (Ron Smith), Jane (Manfred Grisebach), Anne Graham (Keith Woodward). Caring Gran to James Smith (Mary), David Grisebach (Rachel Abel), Matthew Grisebach, Maggie Shimada (Trevor Roberts) and Jill Shimada (Amrit Gill). Great grandchildren, Felix Grisebach and Lawton Smith. Sister to Jean Phalp (late Brian) and Sheldon Brubacher (Barb). Predeceased by her parents Ralph and Bella Brubacher, her brothers Claude and Harold Brubacher (late Isabelle) and Gerald Brubacher (Lola), sisters Grace Waters (late Don), Alice McDonald (late Robert and Jack), Frances Clappison (Philip) and Beatrice Stephenson (Glen).
Pauline was born on June 17, 1934 at her home in Waterloo Township. As a young child she spent many hours working on the family market gardens. As a teenager she graduated from Kitchener Collegiate and began dating Jim Graham on her 17th birthday. In September of that year she moved to Toronto to study all facets of sewing at Central Technical School. While there she lived with Dr. Hilliard Varty and his wife Margaret, and worked as a nanny for their children Elizabeth, Barb, Peter and Paul. This was the start of a cherished and lifelong friendship with the Varty family and the beginning of Pauline and Jim’s Twelve Mile Lake cottage adventure. In the years to come they would build a beautiful log cabin at the lake and spend 53 wonderful summers together with family, friends, and long-time friends and neighbours, Don & Shirley Woolridge and their family.
In 1960 Pauline and Jim moved to Victoria Village, North York, where they raised their four daughters. They developed many friendships through membership at Victoria Village United Church where Pauline developed a passionate interest in the ministry. With support and guidance from the Minister, Malcolm Sinclair, she went back to school at the Centre for Christian Studies and became an ordained minister, faithfully serving the church communities of Newtonbrook United and Bloor Street United until her retirement from the Ministry in 1991.
During her lifetime Pauline’s compassion and desire to help others led her to open her heart and home to many people. In 1979 when Victoria Village United Church sponsored a Vietnamese Boat Family, Pauline and Jim opened their home again. Although Boa, wife Phuong, and little brothers Ton and Long only lived with them briefly, the Choung family soon became like a second family to the Grahams. Over the years this cherished relationship has expanded to include the Chuong daughters Roslynn Chuong (Dan Ling), Carolyn Chuong (Yan Jno-Baptiste), Karen Ho, Ton’s wife, and all their extended family.
Pauline felt a calling to work with Indigenous People throughout her life. She taught cooking and sewing to Indigenous women in downtown Toronto and provided support for Indigenous men during her Ministry. She also developed a close and supportive relationship with the Sutherland family from Moose Factory.
In 1993 Pauline and Jim moved to Port Hope to join Anne, Jeff, Maggie, and Jillian born in September of 1994. While there, they developed many long- lasting friendships. In 2010 they moved to Cobourg where they continued to make many new friends. Pauline enjoyed PROBUS, Lunch Bunch, theatre and swimming.
Pauline was a strong, confident, motivated and talented woman. As a Wife she was a devoted and loving partner, gourmet cook, baker, and trip planner, often saying, “Jim I’ve got another idea.” As a Mother she was loving, patient and devoted. She taught her girls to cook, bake, sew, knit and most importantly to be kind and strong. As a Gran she was devoted, reading and singing, baking cookies, making blankets, cuddling, and spending many summer days on the beach at the cottage. She travelled far and wide to spend time with her family, Kitchener, Shelburne, New Brunswick, Atlanta, Panama City Beach, North Carolina and Australia. In 2012 Pauline and Jim took their five grandchildren and James’ wife Mary on a once in a lifetime trip to the Galapagos Islands. Each of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren had a very special place in her heart and one of her greatest goals was keeping them connected to each other.
Pauline loved the outdoors, especially at the cottage. She spent many hours gardening, bird watching, working on the cottage and swimming to the point and back. On rainy days she would bake, quilt, sew, knit and read.
We are so grateful to have had her in our lives and know that her spirit will live on in the memories and lives of everyone she knew. A Celebration of Pauline’s Life will be held at a later date. Donations to the Charity of your choice in her name would be appreciated.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Pauline June Graham Brubacher Sunday March 22nd 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Port-Hope, Province: Ontario
As a former member of Newtonbrook United Church I had the honour and privilege of knowing Pauline through her ministry there. I have many fond memories of her time with us and can say in all honesty that she contributed to my spiritual growth to a great extent.
I extend my sympathies to you Jim and all your family. It is wonderful to read about them here. I am sure you will all help each other in your grieving journey.
God bless,
Dorothy Collins.
The last time I visited with Pauline was when she swam across the bay to visit my mom, Margie. It was terrific to hear news of the family, to hear her lovely laugh, and to simply be in her calming presence. Then she swam back to her cottage.
I’m so sorry, all you Grahams, for your loss. And I know you’ll carry her memory with you always. What a great person has walked the forest paths among us!
Jane Slemon