Pauline Gensel

Pauline Miller Abrams Gensel, 93, of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025. She was born as one of six daughters and one brother William Ellis (passed in 1935) to Angus Julius Merchant and Ella Rose Wann in Robertsdale, Alabama, on May 11, 1931.

Unfortunately, her mother passed away when she was just seven years old and her father, a Veteran, was unable to care for her and her sisters. The sisters were separated and placed for adoption at young ages. Fortunately, later in life they all reconnected and were able to resume beautiful relationships with one another for the remainder of their lives.

Pauline graduated from Miami Senior High School in 1948 and was a band member playing the clarinet.

She was married to Alton Abrams from 1953 to 1965 and George Gensel from 1989 until his passing in 2000.

Pauline worked as a homemaker and in many hospitality jobs throughout her lifetime, often working more than one or two jobs at a time, to provide for her family. She served as an example to her children and grandchildren that one’s work ethic directly correlates to one’s independence.

Once she moved to Florida from Robertsdale, she resided in Miami, Davie, Cooper City, Key Largo, Ocala, and ultimately Tallahassee. She loved to travel throughout the United States and internationally. Some of her favorite trips included Hawaii, Canada, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Caribbean cruises.

Pauline was affectionately known as “Granny” by her large family and the friends of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Some of her favorite activities included playing the slots, fiercely competing with her family in Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, dice games, and bingo.

Pauline is survived by her children, Connie Abrams Sundquist, Gary Abrams (Gayla), and Vicki Mangieri, and daughter-in-law Sherrie Abrams; grandchildren, David Sundquist (Jenny Forbes Sundquist), Kelli Lane, Jennifer Sundquist, Gary Lee Abrams (Kathey), Stanley Abrams, Thomas Abrams (Amanda), Alan (Melissa), Tristan Abrams, Eric Bauman (Danielle), Holly Sullivan (Patrick); great grandchildren, David Zimmerman, Logan and Lauren Lane, Madden and Mia Sundquist, Aidan Tatilian, Carter, Charlie, and Collier Abrams, Elidia Abrams, Tommie Abrams, Victoria James, and Levi Bauman; and great-great grandchildren, Sophia and Maxx James.

Pauline was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Irene, Jerry, Margaret, Frances, and Vada, her brother William Ellis, and her youngest son, Paul Abrams.

Pauline has selected a burial at sea which will take place in the near future. The family extends their warmest and sincere appreciation to all of the loved ones and friends who have shared well wishes, memories, prayers, and sympathy during this difficult time.

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