Pauline Stets

Mystic - Pauline (Dailey) Stets, 96, of Mystic, devoted wife of the late John C. Stets passed away peacefully Monday, May 16, 2011, at home. She was a lady of great grace and strength.

Born in Binghamton, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Austin Dailey and Cora (Card) Dailey and was a Mystic resident for the past 48 years.

Pauline graduated from the University of New York at Oswego earning her teaching degree in reading and literacy. She returned to teaching after her children were grown and was a substitute school teacher with the Groton school system for many years.

Her greatest passion was helping children succeed. She was devoted to helping them learn to read with patient coaching. After retiring from teaching, it was her grandchildren who then reaped the benefits of her talents and love. She also made the best tuna fish sandwiches ever!

She is survived by her three children, Daniel J. Stets and his wife, Milica, of New York City, Mary Anne Stets and her husband, H. Wes Maxwell, of Stonington, and Susan Stets of Groton; a daughter-in-law, Mary Lee Stets of Enfield; 12 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by two sons and a daughter-in-law, John J. Stets and his wife, Constance Stets, and James D. Stets.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, May 20, at St. Mary Church, 95 Main St., Stonington. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Route 1, Stonington. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital (www.st.jude.org)

The family invites you to visit www.mysticfuneralhome.com to leave an online expression of sympathy.