Pauline Evelyn (Elliott) Toms, 93, beloved wife, of 51 years, of Michael Toms who predeceased her in 1993, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 4, 2015, at Life Care Center of Wilbraham with her family at her side.
Pauline was born On June 8, 1922 in Santa Ana, CA, a daughter of Robert O. and Pauline (Hostrawser) Elliott. She was raised in California, later graduating from Oakland High School. Pauline would eventually meet her future husband, Lieutenant Michael Toms, on a ship heading for Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where they would both survive the infamous attack on December 7, 1941. Pauline and Michael married in 1942 and would eventually move and settle in Springfield in 1957. Together they raised their family and became very active in the community and active parishioners at Holy Name Church in Springfield.
Pauline was a Eucharistic Minister and Lector at Holy Name Church. She also sang in the adult choir, belonged to the Forever Young Club, and helped run the church's gift shop. She was eventually inducted in the Holy Name Church Hall of Fame. Pauline was a member of the Good Time Singers and was active with the Forest Park branch of the Springfield Golden Agers. Along with her husband, she was in the Pearl Harbor Attack Veterans' Chapter and was a Charter Member of the Western Mass. Genealogical Society, and a member of the Civic Center Square Dancers.
Pauline was always on the go and would never let anything deter her from where she wanted to be. In her early fifties, she received an Associate's Degree as an adult learner at Springfield Technical Community College.
She is survived by her loving children, Michael P. and his wife Martha J. of Vienna, VA, Mary K. Royle and her husband, Harry, of Spring Lake, NC, Margaret A. Weck of Columbia, SC, Christine M. Cummings of Houston, TX, Elizabeth "Betty" Toms Matthews and her husband, Gerard B., of West Springfield, Alice P. Toms, and John F. and his life partner, Sarah Murray, all of Springfield, Rosemarie Dupont and her husband, Gerald R. of Hebron, CT, and Ruth H. Christensen and her husband, James D., of Wexford, PA; sister, Joyce E. Montanio; 14 cherished grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Pauline was also predeceased by her brothers, Robert [OHS 1941], Stanley, and Theodore and sister, Patricia Barner.
Funeral services for Pauline will be held on Monday, Nov. 9, beginning at 9 a.m. from Hafey Springfield Chapels, 494 Belmont Ave., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Holy Name Church, 323 Dickinson St., Springfield. Burial will follow immediately after the mass at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Springfield. Family and friends are invited to gather on Sunday, Nov. 8, for calling hours, for Pauline, from 2-5 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in Pauline's name may be made to Holy Name Church.www.hafeyfuneralservice.com