Pauline A. Jelken

Pauline Jelken Obituary
Wharton: Pauline Centinaro Jelken, 75 of Wharton, NJ, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Pauline graduated from Clifton High School and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Education at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas. Upon graduation, Pauline taught in several states, including Kansas, Virginia, and Florida. Upon returning to NJ, she taught in the Jefferson Twp. School District in Morris County. Throughout her career, she taught grades 2-8, but most of her experience was at the Middle School level where she taught Social Studies on all three grade levels. During her career, she was nominated by one of her former students and admitted to "Who's Who Among America's Teachers".
While teaching in Jefferson, Pauline headed up the Health and Safety Committee for her local union and served as Legislative Chairwoman for her district on the county level. Since politics was her lifelong passion, this was a perfect fit for her. She loved the teaching profession and all of her students, and her goal was to make a positive impact on them to prepare them for their future lives.
Pauline also had her own decorating business for several years. She helped clients decorate their homes, focusing on furniture, artwork, and color schemes. Her activities included advocating for animals, dancing, reading, especially political topics, bowling, the Jersey shore and entertaining with friends. She was an avid college sports fan, especially for her University of Kansas Jayhawks basketball team and also enjoyed playing the piano for years and attempting to master the French language, which she loved.
Traveling was another of her passions. She visited 38 of the 50 states and lived in 4 of them. Internationally, Pauline visited England, Ireland, Canada, and the Bahamas.
Pauline's friends were many. Several of her friendships dated back 65 years from elementary school through high school, college and beyond. She loved animals, especially dogs, and her precious Maltese named Munchkin. She adored him and he was everything to her.
Pauline had a strong belief in justice and whenever she saw or experienced injustice, she worked tirelessly to right any wrongs. She dedicated many hours to these endeavors and most of them ended with positive results. When she committed herself to something, she was determined to see it through to the end.
Especially in her later years, Pauline wanted to be surrounded by those she loved and who loved her in a quiet and peaceful environment. She avoided conflict and drama as much as possible.
Predeceased by:
Siblings - Dianna Claire & Pauline Joan.
She leaves behind:
Sibling: Joni Pauline Doncoes.
Nephew: Edward Docoes.
Grand-Nephew and Grand-Niece: Vincent Docoes and Gabriella Doncoes.
Sibling: Dianna Claire.
Sibling: Sebastian Centinaro.
Nephew : Joseph Centinaro and his wife Hana.
Grand-Nephew and Grand-Niece: Mateo Centinaro and Danica Centinaro.
Also survived by many, many dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Heart Association (Heart.org) would be appreciated.
Visitation will be held 10am-12:30pm on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at the Bermingham Funeral Home, 216 S. Main St., Wharton, NJ 07885.
A Funeral Mass will be held 1pm after the visitation at St. Mary's Church, Dover, NJ.
Entombment will follow at Gate of Heaven Mausoleum, East Hanover, NJ.
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