Mary "Mae" Pauley Roman

She was predeceased by her adored husband John Roman, Jr. and is lovingly remembered by her children- son John Roman and his wife Cheri, and daughters Linda Cooke and her husband Bryan, and Susan Bailey. Dear grandmother to, Jonathan (Tracy) Downey, John M. Roman, Cynthia (William) Woods, Christina Salazar, Renee Peterson, Meredith and Jessica Skelton; great grandmother to, Alex and Pete Downey; Amber and Emma Salazar; Allison, Seth, and Gracie Peterson . She will also be missed by her sisters, Margaret Mary Kominsky and Patty Nelson.

Mary “Mae” Pauley Roman was born on August 8, 1926 in Nesquehoning, PA to her parents the late George and Mary Dancik Pauley. The family later moved to Pittsburgh PA where Mom graduated from Schenley High School February 1944. She worked at Carnegie Mellon University (Carnegie Institute of Technology) Feb 1944 until March 1947. Among others, she worked for the renowned Jonas Salk who developed the Polio vaccine.

Mae met and married the man of her dreams John Roman Jr on September 8, 1946. They were of the same Greek Catholic faith and of the Ruthenian (Rusyn) background which was important to both of them yet wonderfully in love. Mae and John's love story continued throughout their 51 years of marriage. In July 1947 their son John was born. Mae remained a housewife and mother until May 1955. Both Linda (December 1950) and daughter Susan (Jan 1953) were born.

With husband John's employment with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in 1951, they began their travels overseas in Europe, Northern Mariana Islands, and Africa. Mae began working with the Department of Navy in June 1955. Off and on during these travels, she would either work or be home with her children. In 1959, she worked for the US Department of State at the American Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. After the family returned to the United States, Mae's career began with the CIA in 1962 until 1986. Her duties included Administrative, Personnel, Finances, Logistics, and Security. Of note she worked on the U2 program and received a medal in 1981. Her last two Tours of Duty were in Accra, Ghana (1981 – 1983) and Kingston, Jamaica (1984 – 1986).

Both Mae and John loved their world travels meeting many many friends and shared incredibly vivid stories. Once John and Mae returned to the United States they settled in Cary, NC. John began working as President of the 58th Bomb Wing, 20th US Army Air Corps of WWII with Mae at his side, traveling around the States in this important endeavor.

When John died in 1997, Mae was never the same. She later moved to Clayton NC. Mae was surrounded by family and caregivers when she took her last breath. Her vivaciousness and sophistication will be sorely missed and never replaced. Mae, Mom, (Great) Grandma has gone to her love and to the Lord Jesus Christ.

A Memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday December 17th, Chapel of Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC. Inurnment will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park.

Condolences may be sent to www.MitchellatRMP.com

Arrangements under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park, Raleigh, NC.

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