Pauline A. Rodski

Pauline A. (Wesockes) Rodski ,93, of York, PA, formerly of Gardner MA, died peacefully, Friday, September 11, 2020, in York, PA, surrounded by her family. 

Born in Athol, MA, on April 26, 1927, she was the daughter of the late George and Elizabeth (Barkauskas) Wesockes.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 46-years, Alvin Rodski of Gardner, MA; her brothers, Johnny, Mickey, Frank, Charlie, and George; and sisters Annie, Millie, Franny, and Tena. 
Pauline is survived by a sister Ellie, sons Paul Wesockes, Peter Rodski, and David Rodski, and twelve grandchildren.

It is fitting that Pauline went to the Lord on 9/11, a date that undoubtedly evokes tragic memories—but also represents perseverance.  She herself faced numerous tragedies in her 93 years yet overcame each and every one. 

Pauline was never able to read or write, having left school as a child due to a dental error that left her without teeth or dentures for years.  She persevered instead, beginning work in a factory at an early age to help support her family.  Upon the loss of her father at the age of 13, circumstances forced her to live and work as a servant in the home of a wealthy family. Nevertheless, she persevered.  Pauline lost her closest sister to a brutal murder, she lost a brother who tragically took his own life, and she herself struggled with mental health issues, but throughout her life, she persevered.  Surviving seven heart attacks, hip replacement, two pacemakers, and numerous other surgeries and ailments, she persevered. 

Against the backdrop of the Great Depression, World War II, and other periods of global adversity up through the current pandemic, Pauline remained resilient in the face of incredible individual challenges.  Despite these hardships, she never lost her ability to take joy in the simple pleasures; she loved her dolls, which she collected her entire life, and never saw a jigsaw puzzle she could not complete. Pauline brightened the lives of others with her warm smile and will be dearly missed.  Her passing represents another loss from a truly great generation among us.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, September 18, 2020, with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. in Annunciation Parish at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, West Street, Gardner, MA.

Calling Hours will be private.

Due to the current COVID-19 Pandemic, current restrictions set in place by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will be in effect at Pauline’s services.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 300 5th Avenue, Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451. Please reference in memory of Pauline A. Rodski.