Pauline Alma Aprea

Pauline Alma Aprea, aged 85, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 9, 2026. She is survived by her three adult children, Jim (Patty), Dave, and Cara Hakken (Andy), and grandchildren, Jack Aprea, Dani and Ryan Aprea, and Nick and Cassie Hakken. She is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Aprea, and sister, Phyllis Johnson.

Pauline often spent childhood summers sailing with her mom, dad, sister Phyllis, and cocker spaniel Golden Nugget on her family’s sailboat, “Tondelayo.” She also had many fond memories of the time she and her sister spent at her Auntie Irene and Uncle Claire’s farm in East Lansing. Pauline was a graduate of Detroit Southeastern High School in1958, and attended Western Michigan and Michigan State Universities, earning a BA. Pauline met her husband Joe at a neighborhood pool, and they were married in 1963. Joe and Pauline relocated from the Detroit area to Traverse City in 1978. They made Traverse City their home and raised their three children there. After retirement, Joe and Pauline spent several winters at Outdoor Resorts of America in Melbourne Beach, Florida.

Pauline had a curious mind and was always interested in learning new things. She was an early subscriber to technology. In the dial-up days of the internet, Pauline could often be found waiting patiently with a book on her lap while websites loaded. Pauline was very creative and devoted her time to various hobbies. Pauline’s main love was tennis. She enjoyed her time on the court and frequently played in Traverse City and with the ladies at ORA in Melbourne Beach. She was an avid player and often won matches, continuing to be a strong opponent and winning - right up until the age of 80! Pauline also enjoyed cooking, often experimenting with new techniques and recipes. She was a talented seamstress and tried her hand at quilting and applique as well.

Pauline’s celebration of life will occur at 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at The Community Church in downtown Ada - 7239 Thornapple River Dr., Ada, MI. Visitation will be from 12:00-1:00 PM.