Pauline Bond – A Son’s Perspective

To most of you that have known my mother over the years, thoughts like love, warmth, devotion to family and friends, and community service quickly come to mind.  For me, all of those thoughts certainly are there as well.  Life as her youngest child has been an experience that brings many more things to mind.  These experiences helped shaped me into the family member, husband, and father that I am now.

Many years ago when I was a young man enduring the challenges of Army officer training, words such as integrity, discipline, sacrifice, and courage were instilled in us.  What may surprise many of you is that those characteristics had already been demonstrated to me by my mother.  Few people know that my mother faced incredibly difficult personal challenges when I was a child.  She worked through those personal challenges, and was willing to do whatever it took to keep our family together.  For her strength and courage during those turbulent times, I am forever grateful. 

When she retired, she wasted no time in traveling and enjoying life to the fullest.  Those travels included Alaska, the Panama Canal, Hawaii, and Canada.  Against our family’s strongest wishes, she even took a cruise day trip to Columbia to see “what’s going on there.”  The remainder of her free time was filled enjoying her grandchildren and serving the community.  She had a rare blood type, so she donated blood on a regular basis for many years.  She was a volunteer usher at Sangamon Auditorium.  She was a “red coat” volunteer at Memorial Hospital, and then later at the Koke Mill Clinic.  She delivered meals as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels.  She was always there to help out her close friends by taking them to doctor appointments, or running their errands.  She was the perfect example of a parent, friend, and citizen.        

It is very difficult to imagine life without her, but I know her strong will and determination will help carry me through.  She always has, and always will be a source of strength and courage for me moving forward.  

I will always love and cherish you, Mom.

Love,
Rob

The family talked with Tasha about mom before the service and this is what I pulled together from all of us.

Mom,
You were strong, but when we needed you were gentle.
You were caring, but when we needed you were tough.
You were our rock, but now we know that you were also fragile and fleeting.
You are loved so deeply by your family, but now we know that you were also loved by so many others.
You will be deeply missed by all.
Love, your kids

Pauline was a fun person to work with at Springfield Public Schools. She was very efficient and effective in her position as the Director of Purchasing. I still remember her last day at work. She requested that we let her drive the forklift in the warehouse as that was something she always wanted to do as the Supervisor of that Department. We all laughed and took pictures of her, as it was difficult for her to drive since she couldn't reach the gas petal. Her smile, her loving kindness and her heart felt love for others, was what endeared her to all of her co-workers. May all of the fond memories you have of Pauline, get you through this most difficult time.

Mom,
You have always been an inspiration to me and many others due to your strength and compassion. I know I was always your biggest challenge out of the 5 children you raised but you never gave up on me and always guided me in the right direction. You have touched the hearts of many people always giving a helping hand yet never complained about your own problems and heartaches you endured. I want to say, Thanks for always being there for me and my family. Know you will always be in my heart and my prayers. 
Love

Dear Pauline,

I've known you for over 40 years and have always admired you.  You were a strong and classy woman. When you retired, I loved that you wasted no time and flew into life with such a passion.  You had great friends and neighbors and enjoyed them to the fullest.
Your love of family was number one with you and I thank you every day for raising such a wonderful son.  I will miss our "talks".
God speed, Pauline - you are loved.

Mike, Debbie, Nick and Brian,

Thinking of you during this time.  Always hard to lose our Mom's.  We remember Pauline at some of the many soccer games.  She was a delightful lady.  Sending you hugs.

I wish to express my deepest sympathies to the family.  I will always remember Aunt Pauline as a grand lady with a keen sense of humor and charm.  She surely will be missed by many.

Pauline was such a wonderful Grandmother and I will never forget the time I spent with her.

To a grandmother who lived a life full of generosity and kindness - we will never forget you. We love you!

I have many fond memories of my grandma that I cherish deeply in my heart. More often than not looking back I notice that some of my more cherished memories have helped shaped me in some way. One of my favorite memories, and story to tell, is the time when grandma wanted to take both me and my sister to a movie. Of course we agreed. We knew that grandma liked to get to the movie theatre early for parking, good seats, and no waiting in line for popcorn. Something I never bothered to ask was what time the movie was, but I assumed we would only be 10-20 minutes early. 
When we got to the theatre I noticed that we got the best spot, and we were also one of the only cars in the lot. I thought nothing of it and we walked inside together. Grandma paid for the tickets and my sister and I went to go get the popcorn. Again, we were the only ones getting popcorn. Grandma snuck water bottles inside using her purse, so we wouldn’t have to pay the overpriced amount, so we only got popcorn. As we entered the theatre I noticed we were the only ones there, so we picked the best spot, right in the middle. My sister and I snacked on popcorn a little as we waited for the movie. Grandma sometimes took a few pieces, but after a while no one came and the previews just kept playing. I thought this was a little odd so I turned to grandma and asked out of curiosity, “Grandma, do you know when the movie should start?” She looked at her watch and turned back to me and replied in the most normal tone, “Oh in about 30-40 minutes.” I was a little shocked. Grandma was known for being early, but this was the first time we were more than 20 minutes early to a movie! By the time the movie started we had memorized all of the previews and had gotten a popcorn refill. 
I often laugh at this story, but now I realize how time-conscious I am. I don’t like to be late, at all. It’s these memories that I cherish the most and remember because they’ve helped to shape who I am today. Now it’s other people that joke about me. My grandma was so special to me; and it is things like that which help me realize that my grandma has left a little bit of her rubbed off on me. 
Love,
Your Granddaughter, Rachel Bond

Pauline Bond – A Wonderful Mother-in-Law

I first met Pauline when I was 16 years old and she welcomed me with open arms and made me feel so comfortable.  I think she was just excited that Rob had a girlfriend and would hopefully settle down and stay out of trouble!  The things I admired the most about Pauline were her incredible sense of humor, her love for her family, how she just took everything in stride and loved and lived life to the fullest.  She endured so many things during her lifetime and she handled them with dignity and never let them keep her down.  I remember when she was in recovery from her bronchial scope and had just been told about having terminal cancer and a nurse came in to check on her and asked how she was doing and she said without any hesitation “…I’m just enjoying life.”  Wow!  What a lady!  Pauline was the most caring person I have ever met.  She was always helping out her family and friends and was there whenever you needed her.  Pauline, I loved you dearly and will miss you terribly.  Life isn’t going to be the same without you.  You were a wonderful, caring person and I feel so blessed to have had you in my life as well as my daughters’ lives.  You have definitely influenced the young ladies they have become and I know you will live on in all of us. 

God Bless You,
Ann

Grandma Pauline

These are some of the memories I have of my Grandma.  Grandma was by far the best cook of the family. Anyone who knows her knows she was never late. I loved going over to her house every Monday during the summer.  We would bake anything whether it was cakes, cupcakes, muffins, brownies, or cookies.  She wouldn't do most of it, she showed and would teach us how to do it.  She would always make us homemade lunch.  But her homemade fried chicken is the best fried chicken there is.  The cricket in her car.
Love,
Your Granddaughter, Nicole

Memory at the Movies
By Rachel Bond (Granddaughter)

 I have many fond memories of my grandma that I cherish deeply in my heart. More often than not looking back I notice that some of my more cherished memories have helped shaped me in some way. One of my favorite memories, and story to tell, is the time when grandma wanted to take both me and my sister to a movie. Of course we agreed. We knew that grandma liked to get to the movie theatre early for parking, good seats, and no waiting in line for popcorn. Something I never bothered to ask was what time the movie was, but I assumed we would only be 10-20 minutes early. 
When we got to the theatre I noticed that we got the best spot, and we were also one of the only cars in the lot. I thought nothing of it and we walked inside together. Grandma paid for the tickets and my sister and I went to go get the popcorn. Again, we were the only ones getting popcorn. Grandma snuck water bottles inside using her purse, so we wouldn't have to pay the overpriced amount, so we only got popcorn. As we entered the theatre I noticed we were the only ones there, so we picked the best spot, right in the middle. My sister and I snacked on popcorn a little as we waited for the movie. Grandma sometimes took a few pieces, but after a while no one came and the previews just kept playing. I thought this was a little odd so I turned to grandma and asked out of curiosity, â€œGrandma, do you know when the movie should start?â€ She looked at her watch and turned back to me and replied in the most normal tone, â€œOh in about 30-40 minutes.â€ I was a little shocked. Grandma was known for being early, but this was the first time we were more than 20 minutes early to a movie! By the time the movie started we had memorized all of the previews and had gotten a popcorn refill. 
I often laugh at this story, but now I realize how time-conscious I am. I don't like to be late, at all. It's these memories that I cherish the most and remember because they've helped to shape who I am today. Now it's other people that joke about me. My grandma was so special to me; and it is things like that which help me realize that my grandma has left a little bit of her rubbed off on me.

To Nicole and Rachel ~

I am very sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers.

Mr. Snow

My brothers and I have such wonderful memories of crowding around Grandma Eck's kitchen table eating ham and corn.That table looked sooooo big to a little kid.Our love and admiration to you all in your care and love for Aunt Pauline has not gone unnoticed. You all should feel proud of your devotion. Much love and please keep in touch,Ann Lambert Smith,Gary and Jimmy Lambert.

Rob, Ann, Rachel and Nicole, we are very sorry and saddened for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Laura Antenan and Conner Ryan

To Pauline's family - I am so very sorry for your loss. I so enjoyed meeting and talking with Pauline at our PEO Chapter LR  meetings. She was a very sweet special lady, and all my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. She will be greatly missed! Liz Frazier

My  family and I have wonderful memories of our lives together as one big family crowded around Grandma Eck's kitchen table.Our love and admiration of your devotion to your mom is something you all should be proud of. I will miss your mom more than you will know.Love to you all,Ann Lambert Smith.Gary Lambert and Jimmy Lambert.

Nick, Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your grandmother.  You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Winchester High School Staff

I have great memories of a trip through the northwest  with Pauline a great traveler even with mobility issues.  I have missed her smiling face in church.
Mary Ann Nation

To the family of Pauline 
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one.
I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Pauline at Dist 186.
Gary Sullivan

Pauline will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.  Love, Kathi, Ed, Chris & Atleigh.

Linda, Mike, Ed, Dick and Rob. Very sorry to hear about your Mother. I've known her for years and years. She was a very nice person. Our thoughts are with you

To the Bond family we express our deepest sympathy to you and your family during this time of grieving.

Union, NJ Soccer Friends

MIKE AND  FAMILY

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS  GO OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN YOUR  TIME OF SORROW    

CLINT & PEGGY SALMON

I've celebrated a lot of birthdays with my Aunt Pauline, and will keep her in my thoughts for many to come.
Love to all,
Jr

Dear Rob, Ann, Rachel and Nicole,

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. 

Sincerely, 
The Freeman Family ~ Kelly, Jennifer, Sean and Mollie

Ed and Phylis,

We are thinking of you and your family at this time.

To the family of Pauline Bond, I feel like a friend,through  Donna Freeman, would like to extend my sympthay to all of you..May she rest in peace,my prayers are with you all.Bless you all.

Ann Freeman

Mike, Deb and all of the Bond family.  I am so sorry about your mother.  She was a wonderful women!  I have such great memories of her. Our sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cherryl and Dave Walker

To the Bond family we express our deepest sympathy to you and your family during this time of grieving. May God give you all strength to endure.

Pauline was an exceptional lady.  She maintained her composure through very delicate circumstances and was the consummate professional.  It was a joy to know her as a coworker and friend for many years.  Sympathy to her entire family.

Rob, Ann, Rachel and Nicole you and the Bond family are in our hearts and prayers. Pauline was so very sweet and she will be missed.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Pauline's family. Pauline was my good neighbor and dear friend for more than 30 years. I will miss her more than words can say.

My condolences on your loss.  My thoughts and prayers are with your family, Nick.

Pauline will be missed by all that knew her. Our prayers goes out to her Family.

I have many years of memories of Pauline through her daughter Linda. A wonderful woman and a great parent. God Bless you all!

Mike and Debbie and all,  I am so sorry to read this on Nick's Facebook entry.  Please know that I am thinking of you all.  Though we never knew her, she had to be a very special lady to have a son like you Mike and your very wonderful family.  Just know you have my sincerest love, sympathy and understanding.
Love to you all.  Donna

OBITUARY

Pauline E. Bond

December 11, 1927 – November 17, 2010

Bisch Funeral Home

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