Pauline Jessie East

Born in Fernie, B.C on June 23, 1943. This town has played a huge role in her life, it is where she met and married Stewart East. They had two children together: Laurel (Bob) and Ryan (Rachel). Grandchildren Shandra (Mathieu), Ella, Dane and Arden who brought joy to her life. We all grieve her passing and will remember her.

It is where she met so many friends and developed many of her passions. Figure skating in her childhood backyard in West Fernie with her sister Eileen, curling, picking blueberries with her dad and her love of animals to name a few. Our family has always gone back there together, and it holds a place in our hearts forever. Times at Rosen Lake with the East family over the years has been a source of fond memories. She always felt such pride in Fernie and contributed to many things over the years to make the community the vibrant place it is.

Pauline played the trumpet in the band, was a majorette and played multiple sports in school such as track, basketball, curling, figure skating and she loved Scottish Highland Dancing growing up.

Pauline went into teaching after attending Victoria College and later she obtained her degree at UVIC. Teaching elementary children was very rewarding and so many cherished friends have been made throughout her teaching career. She was a summer session teacher and mentored many up-coming teachers as a way to give back. Retiring after 32 years teaching the primary grades kindergarten to grade 3. She loved kindergarten especially!

Mom loved figure skating, curling, bridge, reading, gardening, coffee/lunch with friends and her many dogs over the years with her dog walking group. She has been a very creative person quilting, sewing and doing needlepoint throughout out her life and we are blessed with the quilts, pictures that she left us.

Pauline was predeceased by her parents Stephen and Mabel Serek, her sister Eileen Maffioli, in-laws Dr. Sparling and Mary East, Helen Wilson, Libby East and numerous other friends and family.

Mom would like to be remembered as a beloved grandma, aunt, friend, mother and teacher. She liked listening to music and certain pieces have brought up memories and cherished moments in time with family and friends over the last few months of her life.

The family would like to thank Dr. Fathima Abdul Hameed, Dr. Vernacova, Dr. Kasinki, Dr. Henderson, Dr. Drake and numerous other health professionals that touched her life at the end and cared for her with compassion and kindness.

Mom wishes are to have a service on April 19th at 10:00am at First Memorial Funeral Services (4725 Falaise Drive, Victoria, B.C.)

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to BC Cancer.