Pauline Haggerty, 89, formerly of Miles City, died on November 2, 2017, at Collier Lutheran Hospice in Wheat Ridge, CO., surrounded by her children.
Pauline was born on November 17, 1927 near Hysham, MT, to Fred, Sr. and Pauline (Neuhardt) Wambolt, both of whom immigrated from Russia in the early 1900s. She was the seventh of 13 children, and grew up on various farms in the Hysham and Forsyth area during the Depression.
After graduating from Forsyth High School, she briefly attended Montana State College before moving to Miles City, where she met her future husband, James “Jim” Haggerty. They were married on July 27, 1947, and made their home in Miles City until Jim’s death in 2013.
Pauline embraced her life as a wife, homemaker and loving Mom to their six children. She was an excellent seamstress, and made sure her daughters had new dresses for school and special outfits for the holidays. Her family remembers the nutritious meals she prepared, and many of the “old country” recipes handed down from her mother were family favorites. Her baked goods always won ribbons at the local fair, and she enjoyed sharing her special pies, breads, and cinnamon rolls with friends and neighbors. During the summers she raised a small garden to grow vegetables for fall canning, and her yard was always bordered with colorful flower beds.
She and Jim managed the IBEW Local 653 Federal Credit Union together for 25 years. In 1967, Pauline went to work as a ward clerk on the surgical floor of Holy Rosary Hospital. She found this work to be very rewarding, and formed many friendships during her years of employment.
Pauline was a longtime member of the First Lutheran church in Miles City, and joyfully dedicated her time volunteering for church activities and organizations. She was kind and generous, always thinking of others before herself. Neighborhood children knew her as “grandma Polly,” and would often stop by her house to visit.
It can truly be said Pauline’s greatest joy in life was her family. Some of her happiest moments were when she was organizing or attending family gatherings. She encouraged her son and daughters to excel in school, and loved watching them participate in their many activities, youth groups, 4-H clubs, music lessons, school sports, and legion baseball. She made certain that every achievement and milestone was honored and celebrated.
When grandchildren began arriving, Pauline and Jim traveled to visit them as often as possible, as they were scattered amidst four states. She particularly liked to entertain them with stories of her own childhood during the Depression. Each grandchild was cherished, and she will always have a special place in their hearts.
Pauline enjoyed planning and overseeing various activities, and the all-time favorite was her annual garage sale. She quickly became known in Miles City for having the “best garage sales in town!” Cars would line up in front of the house sometimes hours before the start of the sale!
In her retirement years, she and Jim enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. to visit relatives and friends, and often joined senior bus tours. Branson, Missouri was one of her favorite destinations. To escape the cold Montana weather, they spent several winters in Arizona as “snowbirds.”
Pauline took pleasure in making patchwork quilts, crocheting, assembling jigsaw puzzles, and volunteering. She loved meeting people and making new friends. Attending local events was both an entertainment and the opportunity to chat with friends. And, whenever a raffle drawing was involved, she was the very frequently the lucky winner!
Pauline was an accomplished typist, but always preferred to send beautifully hand-written cards and letters to her children and grandchildren, and friends. Later in life, she spent countless hours creating a personalized, family history photo/scrapbook for each of her six children, a beautiful and priceless legacy that will to be handed down to her grandchildren and future generations.
In 2012, Pauline was diagnosed with lymphoma. With support of family and friends, she endured months of chemotherapy and went into remission. After Jim passed away, she moved to a retirement/assisted living facility in Colorado in 2014 to be near her children.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, and five brothers and four sisters.
Pauline is survived by her son, Brian (Elaine) Haggerty; daughters, Marcia (Bill) Sterhan, Barbara Guthrie (Randy Caranci), Maureen (Steve) Harrison, Lisa (Bill) Sorenson, and Janel McCormick; 9 grandchildren, Ty Sterhan, Todd (Lauren) Sterhan, Ryan (Liz) Guthrie, Kacie Guthrie, Bailey (Joe) Jensen, Lexie Sorensen, Caroline McCormick, A.J. McCormick, Jesse McCormick, and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by brothers Leo and Edward, and a sister Helen.
A celebration of her life will be held April 2018, in Miles City, MT.
Donations in her honor can be made to the Holy Rosary Healthcare Foundation at http://www.hrhfoundation.com.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
10:30
Saturday April 21, 2018
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, MT
Celebration of Life
11:30 a.m. to 2:30p.m.
Saturday April 21, 2018
The Parlor
1806 Main
Miles City, MT
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Thompson says
21023 44th Ave E
Casey & Cindy Phalen says
Thinking of you all. Pauline was so much fun to work with in my early years of healthcare.
Kris Carey says
What a blessing to have known this very special lady! I always loved asking Pauline about her beauty secrets and my favorite response was “the love of my family. ” Wishing that you all find comfort in the happy memories and the love she shared throughout her life.
Anna Matthews says
I lived next door to Pauline and Jim for a couple of years when I first moved to Miles City. They both were so kind and caring. Sending my love and prayers to your family!
Anna Matthews says
I lived next door to Pauline and Jim for a couple of years when I first moved to Miles City. They were both so kind and caring. Sending my love and prayers to your family!
LInda & Richard Meidinger says
So sorry to hear about Pauline passing. I worked with her for a few years at Holy Rosary. She was such a dear gal. I also remember going to her garage sale almost every summer. It was always a super garage full of great items.
Her family is in our thoughts and prayers. May she rest in peace. Linda and RIchard
Sandi Kohones says
Pauline was one of my favorite people! I’m so sorry for for your loss.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
To all of Pauline’s family-
My sincere sympathy in your loss. May all your memories keep you in the days and years to come.
Jesse Leidholt says
I am so sorry to hear of Pauline’s passing. I enjoyed the times I saw her and really missed seeing her at church when she moved
Patti and Sean Earling says
Blessings to all the Haggerty children. May you find peace in knowing your mom is pain-free.
Sandy and Pat Anderson says
Your Mom was so nice. When she came to the flower shop she would take time to let us know how all the kids were doing. She did so many things for many people. She was just a good person. So sorry for your loss.
Ray and Sheri Clauson says
Pauline was a wonderful friend and neighbor. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Mary Ann Stockhill Liles & Jim Liles says
We missed Pauline when she moved away, and while she was sad to leave Miles City, she was happy to be moving near her daughters. She was a delightful lady who was young at heart. We have special memories of her. God bless your family.
sam and de rockwell says
What a lovely tribute to a lovely woman. Sam and I are so sorry for your loss, but Pauline left such a legacy in you guys to keep her spirit alive. Many prayers for peace as you go through grieving her loss. Your family is much loved.
Nancy Rohloff says
Dear Marcia and Bill,
Although we are dealing with a personal loss as well, wanted to reach out to share our sorrow for you and families. May you find faith, peace, and guidance on your road ahead. God Bless! Nancy Rohloff and Family.
Sally Cifala says
What a beautiful tribute to your mom. She and your Dad certainly leave behind a wonderful legacy in their children and grandchildren. You are all proof of that. I remember your Mom as being very kind; I only wish I had known her better. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time, but it sounds like you have amazing, wonderful memories to cherish. Sincerely, Sally (Hanel) and Frank Cifala
Barbara Vanderwal says
May peace be with you as she rests in peace
Maureen Larson says
My sincerest sympathy to Pauline’s family. She was such a nice lady and I know she will be greatly missed. May you all find comfort in your memories and also in God’s loving arms. Blessings to all!
Maureen O'Reilly says
My thought and prayers are with all of Pauline’s family. She was such a great person and know how much she will be missed by all of you.
Scott and Sue Jens says
I did not know your mother, but I had many of you in my classes at CCDHS. I am sending my prayers and condolences to each of you.