Pauline H. Smalley (nee Wilk), of Philadelphia, was welcomed into Christ's loving arms on August 2, 2019 at the age of 90. She is predeceased by her beloved husband John of 68 years. Loving and devoted mother to Sharon (Ron), Cheryl (John), Paula (Neil), Holly (Jeff), Cindy (Tom), John W. (Lorena), Mary Ellen, and April Lynne. Grandmother of 21, great-grandmother of 19 and great-great grandmother of 3. In recognition of her passing, a time of Visitation will take place at 10 AM on Thursday, August 15 at BURNS FUNERAL HOME, 9708 Frankford Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19114 where family and friends can pay their respects. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 11:30 AM. Interment will be held at Washington Crossing National Cemetery

Pauline Helen Wilk was born in Philadelphia to Walter and Catherine (Zebrowski) in the summertime of 1928 on August 29 ^th . The cutely dimpled gal known as "Sis" advanced a year ahead in school and showed great leadership qualities. She met and dated a schoolmate of her older brother, Walter, and Pauline and John married in October of 1946.  Their loving relationship produced 7 girls and 1 boy in the first 19 years of marriage. They lived in the same neighborhood in the Fishtown section of the city their entire lives.

Pauline's greatest legacy would be her motherly love and devotion to her large family. She greatly enjoyed decorating, cooking and hosting celebrations for holidays, birthdays, showers and other special occasions. She delighted in playing board games and was a whiz at completing crossword puzzles, even into her nineties. A PTA President and model student throughout her life, Pauline earned several college credits as a busy mom. She took great interest in her children's classmates and encouraged cross-cultural friendships,

Pauline was an excellent writer, avid reader and classic movie buff. Known as "Sis" or "Sissy," she loved all things purple, Through DNA testing, she pursued her ancestry and discovered several living relatives and the extent of her Polish ancestry (>95%). Pauline loved dining out, especially at places with scenic waterfront views.  For many years, on Mother's Day, she treated her daughters and grand-daughters to a luncheon at a Chinese restaurant in celebration of their collective, cherished motherhood.

Through many health challenges, Pauline amazed everyone with her resilience and determination, keen senses, sensibilities and fortitude into her 91st year.  Her heart found great comfort in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, words of prayer, the Scripture passage Psalm 23 and the song "Amazing Grace." She was also cheered on by the delightful songs and comical antics performed by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

At the time of her passing, her precious family, the "Pearls of Pauline," numbered 51 children, grand-children, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. These are left to cherish her memory, along with their spouses, a host of other relatives, and a huge network of friends and acquaintances who loved her, cared for her, visited her, and prayed for her.