Pauline M. Willis

Born in 1933 to parents, John and Elizabeth Keefe, in Darlington, England Pauline was the oldest of the six Keefe girls. She felt a great duty in helping with her siblings and the responsibilities of the family household which only strengthened her natural ability to care for others. Pauline was always a peacemaker, a diplomat at heart and strived to keep anyone she knew happy and content regardless of outside pressures. Growing up during World II was a challenge in wartime Britain. Air raid drills, bomb shelters, gas masks and food rations were part of the daily routine but out of these circumstances came practicality, resilience, and resourcefulness which Pauline skillfully applied to situations throughout her life. Her escape came from reading books which could transport her on adventures far from home or into the lives and stories of others. A trip to the library was always a favored activity and Pauline continued to be a lifelong avid reader gaining a wealth of knowledge along the way.

In 1953 Pauline married Rex S. Willis, a marriage that would last for 71 years of love and commitment. The couple were blessed with three children. As always family was the core of Pauline’s world and would remain her everlasting priority. In addition to raising her young family, she worked tireless hours in the family business of fish ’n chips. In 1971, Pauline, Rex and children took a courageous leap and emigrated to America bringing authentic English fish ’n chips to Houston with several Alfie’s restaurants. Pauline navigated the new culture with enthusiasm and motivated the children to flourish while always filling the home with love and support. Following the sale of the restaurants, Pauline found her way to incorporate her love of books with employment by working at Waldenbooks for many years. She formed treasured friendships with neighbors and coworkers that would last a lifetime.

Once grandchildren started to arrive, eight times over, her love kept multiplying and she cherished every moment spent with their smiling faces. Pauline was a creative person with a keen interest in Art which she shared with her grandchildren spending countless hours drawing, painting, and craft making with them. She also never shied away from any DIY project around the house both inside and out. Pauline sparked creativity and invention in those around her. Knitting, cross-stitch, crochet, and sewing were crafts she enjoyed especially when it was time to surprise the recipient. Pauline was delighted in the past few months to become a great-grandmother, to hold each baby in her arms and celebrate a new member of the family brought such joy. Family was always Pauline’s focus so any time spent away from the immediate family would be to visit her sisters and extended family in England whom she dearly missed.

Pauline was a loving, devoted and loyal Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Aunt and Sister. Her legacy will shine through all the lives she has touched with her love, grace and compassion. She saw the good in all people and wanted to help each and every soul she encountered.

Pauline is preceded in death by parents, John and Elizabeth Keefe, Sisters Kathleen Farmer and Evelyn Savva and Son Rex Willis.

Pauline is survived by her husband, Rex S. Willis, son Mark Willis and wife Madeline Domask, daughter Paula Oswald and Gary Carrola, daughter-in-law Andrea Willis, grandchildren Jonathan Willis, Garrett Oswald and wife Brandi, Matthew Willis, Catie Guidry and husband Michael, Kyle Oswald and Andrea Monteverdi, Keegan Willis and wife Sam, Kelly Willis, Tommy Willis, great grandchildren Finley Oswald and Hansen Guidry, sisters, Jean Barker, Rosalyn Johnson and husband Wayne, Alison Mallender, Sister- in-law Des Staples, and many nieces, nephews and friends.