Pauline (Szurgyjlo) Bienkowski

It is with heavy hearts to announce the passing away of Pauline on Friday, Oct 31st, 2025. Pauline, who recently celebrated her 97th birthday, was born in Boothwyn, Pennsylvania and she was the youngest of eight children.

Pauline met the love of her life, George, whom she married in 1950. Together they shared 61 years of marriage before his passing in 2011. Their years were filled with family, hard work, countless gatherings of family celebrations and raising two devoted daughters. “Family time” was extremely important, whether it was a trip to the Jersey Shore by ferry, a trip to the New York or Montreal World’s Fair, or a Sunday ride for ice cream after church.

Pauline received the nickname of “Lenie” in her childhood when she attended school, and it followed her through the years. She worked as a dental assistant and in the late 1950’s, together with her husband George, they operated a corner grocery store for 10 yrs. Upon closing the business, Lenie devoted full time responsibility of caring for her elderly parents and her children. After the passing of her parents, and when her children were grown, Lenie returned to work at Char-Stan ceramics.

They resided in Boothwyn, PA for 36 years until their retirement in 1986 then moved to Havelock, NC.

“Nana”, as she was now affectionately known by family members and friends passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Nana leaves behind a legacy of love through her family, as well as those who knew her. Our memories are treasured, and her presence will be dearly missed. Nana’s home was always open, a place of homemade soups and delicious Polish food, lively polkas and unconditional love. Her smiles were endless, and family and friends will remember Nana’s generous hospitality and abundant wisdom, sharing hours either on her front porch or around the kitchen table. Mom loved her family more than anything in the world and enjoyed having birthday dinners and making her famous cakes and delicious, homemade icing. She would often say ”I’m not afraid of dying, I just don’t want to leave my family”! Her unwavering devotion to her family will remain in our hearts forever.

Her favorite songs were “You are my sunshine” and “He’s got the whole world in his hands”. Nana sang these songs together with her children, grandchildren and most recently to her great-grandchildren. Nana’s favorite season was summer as she enjoyed the family gathering in her backyard pool and Christmas was her favorite holiday. Christmas eve was celebrated with Wigilia and Oplatek as the entire family celebrated the coming of baby Jesus. Nana was a devout Christian and it brings us comfort knowing that she is with our Lord.

Pauline was preceded in death by her Parents, Gabriel and Katherine Szurgyjlo, beloved husband George and grandson James George Rivas. Brothers: Pete, Andrew, Joseph, Donald and Thomas. Sisters: Bessie Fecondo and Sophie Smith.

Nana is survived by daughters Katherine (Reuben) Mikul and Mary Ann (John) Quinn both of Havelock, NC. Grandchildren: Christopher Mikul, Katherine (Wade) Clark, Michelle Colaw. Great-grandchildren: Eric (Hannah) Mikul, Waylan (Skylar) Clark, Taylor (Zachery) Castleberry, Katelyn Clark, Thomas (Kyle) Williams and Megan Williams. Great-Great Grandchildren: Sophia Mikul, Ariella Clark, Easton Castleberry, Kailani Clark, Era Clark, and Jordon Mikul. One dear sister-in-law, Maxine Bienkowski, with whom she shared over 75 years of friendship and Polish weekends; and many more nieces, nephews and extended family.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to St. Jude's Children Hospital or Boys Town of America.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Pauline