Pauline Emma Aulani Wessel Chillingworth

Family-Placed Obituary

PAULINE EMMA AULANI WESSEL CHILLINGWORTH died May 15, 2008 at Hilo Medical Center. Pauline was born in Hilo on February 4, 1921 to Harry and Tamar Wessel. She was sister to Macy and Terry Wessel, Maggie Stearns and Katharine "Dully" Stormont. Pauline was a life-long Hilo resident. She attended Hilo High School, class of 1938, where she was both Junior and Senior Class President as well as Lei Day Queen. Pauline attended University of Hawaii Manoa where, again, she reigned as Lei Queen in addition to being a member of the honor society and a ROTC sponsor. On February 26, 1942, Pauline married William "Babe" Chillingworth . That day marked the beginning of a lifelong romance that produced four children. Pauline worked for 20 years as a reading teacher at Waiakea Intermediate School. After retiring, she volunteered with Reading is Fundamental (RIF)-a literacy advocacy group. In 1993, Pauline was given the First Lady of Hawaii's Outstanding Volunteer Award for her work with RIF. Growing up in Hilo, Pauline learned the hula from the legendary Helen Desha Beamer. Pauline's dance was Mi Nei; and no one will ever do it better. A private service was held on May 18, 2008 at Holy Apostles Church. Remembrances may be made to The Episcopal Church of the Holy Apostles, 1407 Kapiolani Street, Hilo, HI 96720 or The Public - Private Partnership for Family Literacy at Hawaii Community Foundation (in memory of Pauline Chillingworth), 1164 Bishop Street, Suite 800, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. She is survived by her children William "Yama" Chillingworth, Harry "Puna" Chillingworth, Wanda Quinn, Maggie Chillingworth, thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Updated on 06/02/2008.