Pauline G. Zelden

Pauline Greenspan Zelden, 93 years, a long-time resident of New Orleans, died on November 22, 2019, in Chicago where she had resided for the last six years. Pauline was born in New Orleans on March 7, 1926 and was the youngest of Rebecca Newman Greenspan and Nathan Greenspan's three daughters. She was loving sister to Theone (Tillie) Greenspan and Jeannette Greenspan Mintz. She attended Sophie B. Wright School and at 16 years old enrolled at Newcomb College, where she graduated three years later as a Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in mathematics. In an era when women were just entering the workforce, Pauline had a more than 40-year career as an executive assistant. Her bosses always relied on her quick thinking and wise counsel. Pauline went on a first date with the love of her life, Max Zelden, in March of 1949, was engaged by June and married him on August 14 that same year. She was married to her beloved Max for 54 years, until his passing in 2003. Her grandchildren have been warned that a short courting followed by a long, happy marriage is not the norm. She is a loving mother to Ms. Judy Reidy, Ms. Karen Zelden (Ralph Senst) and Mrs. Nancy (John) Brennan. While Pauline was the first member of her family to be born in New Orleans, she was every bit the steel magnolia. She was a woman of uncommon fortitude and toughness, in the carefully tailored package of a southern lady. While her daughters have no doubt, she loved them deeply, they were all just a little bit scared of her. Pauline (Nanny) will be missed by her cherished grandchildren who could do no wrong – Thomas J. (T.J.) Reidy, Sam Zelden, Jane R. Brennan and Kate A. Brennan. She was always thankful for devoted friends Frankie Wolff and Avis Brown who were like family. A memorial service will be held in New Orleans in January 2020; details to follow. Family condolences can be sent to Nancy Brennan, 2007 Spruce Drive, Glenview, IL 60025. Donations in Pauline's memory can be made to NAMI, The National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1538 Louisiana Ave., New Orleans, LA 70115. For info: 847-256-5700.