Pauline K. Friebus Morema

In the song of life, Pauline Morema was surely the composer. A very observant woman who would rather spend her time creating than talking, Pauline preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around her made sense. In fact, she depended on her sensory world to provide her with concrete data. A free spirit, Pauline believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. She seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything she did. Pauline perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to her, yet she lived with a definite sense of purpose. She was a woman who was always ready to share her creations with those around her.

Her parents were Salomon & Margaret Friebus who raised Pauline in Bellwood, Illinois. As a young child, Pauline was optimistic in her outlook. She sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply her creative energies. Pauline rarely calling attention to herself, but when she did speak out, her message was clearly understood by those around her.

Early on in her family relationships, Pauline showed that she was a tolerant and flexible person, and she got along fairly well with everyone. She was raised with six siblings. She had an older brother George, older sisters Ann & Dorothy, and younger brothers Fred & Richard. Pauline also had a twin sister, Marie. She was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

As she was growing up, Pauline developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and she took pleasure in using her hands in order to create. Whether it was drawing pictures, working with building kits, or even just tapping out a rhythm to play by, Pauline liked concrete things. Pauline's memorable achievements included taking care of her younger brothers. However, to Pauline, the most fun she had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.

Those who didn’t know Pauline well might not view her as being an outgoing person, those who called her their friend knew differently. Pauline was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced her opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that her kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Pauline’s, you understood how true a friend she could be. While growing up, one of her best friends was Emily Nicholas. This friendship lasted a lifetime. Later in life, she also became friends with so many people. Everyone liked Pauline.

A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant, Pauline had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned. On July 20, 1940, Pauline exchanged wedding vows with her new husband Francis P. Morema at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bellwood, Illinois.

Pauline was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to her children. These emotional bonds made her as much playmate as parent. She gave her family unconditional love and kindness, sharing her artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. Pauline and Francis were blessed with three children. They had two daughters, Franchelle and Paulette and one son, Martin. They were also blessed with eight grandchildren: Cheri, Dave, Linda, Dan, Rob, Lisa, Sandy, and Jenny.

Pauline found ways to enjoy what she did for a living. She worked hard and did her best to succeed every day. Her primary occupation was as a supervisor, being employed for 40 years at Jefferson Electric in Maywood, Illinois. Pauline tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing her will on others.

Pauline enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were dancing and crafts. Pauline was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. She was relaxed in her approach to her leisure time because she wanted to savor the present moment.

Throughout her life, Pauline was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Pauline was a member of the Lions Club and the VFW Ladies Auxillary. She had a tendency to bring peace to her relationships by avoiding disagreements.

Because she loved the world around her, Pauline enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for her to kick back and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Pauline put her personal trademark on any leisure planning that she undertook. Favorite vacations included a memorable trip to Hawaii.

Pauline was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Pauline’s favorites was Sheba, a Siberian Husky. They were best friends for 10 years. Her family was rounded out by her daughter Paulette's cat, Susie.

Pauline passed away on April 9, 2010 at home in Glen Ellyn. She is survived by her children Paulette (Bob) Vasicek, Franchelle (Tom) Deutschle, and Marty (Peg) Morema; eight grandchildren; brothers Fred (Charlene) Friebus & Richard (Mary Lou) Friebus and a sister Dorothy Steck.

Visitation Tuesday, April 13, 2010 from 9:00 am until time of funeral service at 11:00 am at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home, 17W201 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, IL (just west of Rt. 83). Following the funeral service, Pauline was laid to rest in Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery.

Pauline was a good woman, a kind woman, and a practical woman who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. She leaves behind her a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Pauline always had much to give and was able to make those connections in her life where her gifts were appreciated. Pauline was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Pauline Morema.

In lieu of flowers, Pauline's family wishes memorials be made to Home Hospice of Carol Stream, 690 E. North Ave., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. For further information, you may call the Home Hospice at (630) 665-7000.