Obituary of Pauline Ellen Alma

The Lord called unto Himself Pauline Ellen Alma (nee Gilroy) on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at the age of 85. Loved and greatly missed by her husband of 62 years, Andrew as well as daughters, Linda (George) Novakovich, Jane (Tom) Naylor, and Patti (Michael) Kearse.  Blessed with grandchildren Colleen and Andy, whom she was very proud of and loved immensely.  Born in Toronto March 8, 1937 to Carl and Dorothy Gilroy, and raised in the Niagara area. Pauline grew up with her siblings the late Douglas (Marjory) Gilroy, Russell (Pat) Gilroy, the late Joyce (Ralph) DeJong, the late Michael (Anna) Gilroy, and Howard (the late Lorraine) Gilroy. Pauline worked hard alongside her family in fruit picking. She did very well in school, skipping grades and gave the first valedictorian speech at the new South Lincoln High School (now Smithville Public School).  She attended teachers’ college in Hamilton and taught school in the area surrounding Hamilton.  She married Andy at the Grassie Gospel Church on August 8, 1959.  Together with Andy and their 3 daughters, they built and expanded their dairy operation known as Almacres for 50+ years.  Pauline was strong in her Christian faith.  She was a friend to many and would lend her ear to listen and provide a supportive hug.  The family would like to thank the Right at Home PSWs as well as the palliative care nurses Barb & Shania.  Visitation will take place at St. Ann’s Community Church, 5425 Twenty Mile Rd, St. Anns on Thursday, June 23, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. Following the visiting there will be a Funeral Service at the Church at 1:00 p.m.  A private family interment will follow the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Ann’s Community Church or Mennonite Central Committee would be appreciated by the family and if desired can be made through the funeral home, merritt-fh.com.