Obituary of Pauline Patricia Wahlers

Pauline Wahlers (née Mercuri), 86, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loved ones on Thursday November 28.

Born in Scranton, PA, on St. Patrick’s Day to Pete and Rose (Genovese), she was one of three siblings. The family eventually settled in Bloomfield where she spent the rest of her childhood and early adult life. After meeting the love of her life George Wahlers, they married in 1960 and together, they had three children, Michael, George, and PattiAnn, eventually settling in George’s hometown of West Orange, where they raised their three kids.

Pauline devoted her life to her family and community. She was deeply involved in her children’s activities, from Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts to PTA meetings, PAL baseball, and carting them to dance and swim lessons, while Sundays were reserved for family dinners, a cherished tradition she carried from her parents’ home, where her famous meatballs became a staple.

She was the one behind the scenes, sewing Halloween costumes, decorating under the Christmas tree, baking the birthday cakes or maybe balancing a checkbook. Her weekends were spent hosting or visiting family and friends, often enjoying lively pinochle games with Ted and Rosalie. Her home was open to all, where strangers became friends and in turn, family, with an extra seat at the table or just an ear to listen.

As her children grew, so did her family. Pauline lovingly welcomed four grandchildren—Jason, Jessica, Dante, and Vincent—who became her greatest joy. She and George played an essential role in their upbringing, forming deep and lasting bonds with each of them. She gave just as selfishly to them as she did with her own, carting them to school events, sports and CCD and Turtle Back Zoo became a weekly event.

She did all of this while also working outside the home.  While her kids were young she sold Stanley Home Products and Tupperware, then entered the banking industry, eventually working for Llewellyn Edison Savings in West Orange, retiring in 1999. At that time, along with caring for her grandchildren, she dedicated her time to volunteering at Our Lady of the Valley Soup Kitchen, where her compassion and acceptance of others shone brightly.

Guided by her faith throughout her life, Pauline was a pillar of love, kindness, and generosity. Her unwavering love for family and friends, paired with her warm and selfless spirit, left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her. She was a Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Aunt, Sister in law, Cousin and friend. Her legacy is one of faith, family, and a life of a spirit of warmth, selflessness, and enduring grace that will forever be cherished

Pauline is survived by sons, Michael and George, daughter-in-law Debbie, daughter, PattiAnn,  grandchildren, Jason, Jessica, Dante and Vincent, sister MaryRose Almeida, Cousin Charles (Chuckie) Mercuri, along with many in-laws, nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by husband George, parents Peter and Rose Mercuri and brother, Frank.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer Association (https://www.alz.org/nj/donate)

Visiting will be held on Sunday December 8, 2024 from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at Dangler Funeral Home of West Orange, 340 Main St.

A Funeral Mass will be offered on Monday December 9, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of the Valley Church, 510 Valley St.. in Orange.

Entombment will be private.