Pauline Elaine Stepp

POLAND SPRING -- Pauline Elaine (Polly) Stepp, 93, of 151 Watson Road, Poland Springs, Me., went to be with the Lord on January 5, 2018.  She was born on April 18, 1924, in Augusta, Maine, to Minnie Curtis (Benner) and Alfred Clifton Eastman, Jr.

Polly met and married her husband, Willis (“Red”) Stepp, when Red was serving in the Navy in WWII.  Polly, who was a “Rosie the Riveter,” met Red when the destroyer he was on was stationed in Portland, Maine.  They were married June 9, 1943. He preceded her in death in 2011, after 68 years of marriage. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, younger sister, Avis (Skippy) Stevenson, and her younger brother, Alfred Clifton Eastman, III.

Polly is survived by her five children: Sandra (Vince) Ciufia, Monterey, CA; James (Ann) Stepp, Casco, ME; Susan (Jim) Smith, Newark, DE; Pamela (Todd Grinnell) Stepp, Chicago, IL; and Stephen Stepp, Navarre, FL.  Also surviving are ten grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.   

Polly’s life and love revolved around her family and her faith. A born-again Christian, Polly was a faithful member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Portland for over 30 years.  After retiring to Poland Springs, Me., Polly and Red became members of the Poland Baptist Church, where they attended as their health permitted.

Polly was known for her generous heart, loving dedication to her family and friends, laughter, compassion, and kindness. She was a homemaker and beautician who would tell you, “I’m never without work” and she truly always worked! Even her idea of recreation would be considered work to many. She was a passionate berry-picker (any kind of berries), and would pick volumes, then come home to make pies and preserves. She was well known for her banana bread muffins and her Jell-O molds which she shared with everyone. Her handshake was so firm and intentional, her knick name was, “PollyGrip!” She was intelligent and wise, had an incredible work ethic, and endless integrity.  She was a wonderful mother and role model and we will all miss her.

Friends will be received by the family at Hall Funeral Home, 165 Quaker Ridge Rd., Casco, ME., on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, from 2:00 to 4:00 and from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

A MEMORIAL SERVICE celebrating the life of Pauline E. Stepp will be announced when it is scheduled in the future.  Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Polly’s memory may be sent to The Gideon’s International, PO Box 140800, Nashville, TN., 37214-0800.