Pauline M Soule

Pauline M. Soule

Pauline M. Soule, 90, of Kent, died Friday, Oct. 23, 2015, at her home following a brief illness.

Born Oct. 10, 1925 in Kent, she was the oldest survivor of the 10 children of Agostino and Carmela Siciliano. She lived nearly her entire life in Kent. She was a 1944 graduate of Theodore Roosevelt High School in Kent.

Mrs. Soule retired from Kent State University in 1986, where she was employed in the Admissions Office for eight years. Before rearing her family, she was secretary to the superintendent of schools in Kent from 1946 to 1950. She also held bookkeeping positions with Twin Coach Co. in Kent and Pyramid Rubber Co. in Ravenna.

She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and enjoyed her role as the matriarch of her extended family. She had more than 40 nieces and nephews and was acquainted with many in the two generations beyond.

She enjoyed celebrating her 90th birthday at her home, surrounded by the four generations of her entire family. She was the first member of her family to reach that milestone.

She was an avid golfer, maintaining membership in the Millie Stough League and Thursday Morning League at Kent State University Golf Course for more than 20 years. She remained active in golf until she was 88 years old.

She enjoyed reading, winning at poker, and casino trips. She knitted afghans for every member of her family. She enjoyed traveling and had fond memories of trips to Hawaii, Alaska, and Las Vegas. She made new friends throughout her life.

She took pride in her Italian heritage and enjoyed hosting her family for the holidays and other gatherings at her home. Proud of her independence, she maintained her home on her own.

She was a life member of St. Patrick Church in Kent and a member of Young at Heart at Immaculate Conception Church in Ravenna. She was a former member of Catholic Daughters of America.

She was a 40-year survivor of breast cancer and often shared her story to encourage other women dealing with it.

Survivors include her son, Roger J. Di Paolo; daughter, Linda Di Paolo Jordan; stepdaughter, Elizabeth "Betsy" Soule of Waltham, Mass.; grandchildren, Melinda "Mindi" Curry of Streetsboro, Rebecca (Rob) Frisina of Hudson, W. Charles "Chuck" (Sunshine) Knapp of San Diego, Calif.; and Brian Di Paolo of Stow; great-grandaughters, Breanna and Madison Curry of Streetsboro, Giana, Carmella, and Elena Frisina of Hudson, brothers, Oreste "Rusty" (Edna) Siciliano of Rootstown and Ed (Agnes) Siciliano of Tallmadge. Her husand, Harvey Soule, who she married in 1982, died in 2002. Her brothers, Ralph, Victor, Italo, Attilio, and Adolph Siciliano, and sisters, Anne Hill and Elda Spano Heinlein, died previously.

The family is grateful to Dr. Saif Rehman and Brookdale Hospice Care Services for their loving care.

Calling hours will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m..Monday at Bissler and Son Funeral Home in Kent. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m.Tuesday at St. Patrick Church in Kent. Burial will be in Standing Rock Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Patrick School Foundation, 127 Portage St., Kent, Ohio 44240 or Young at Heart, in care of Immaculate Conception Church, 409 W. Main St.,, Ravenna, Ohio 44266.