Pauline Agnes Dana (Schroeder)

Pauline Dana passed away on Sept. 18, 2024, one week after her 85th birthday on Sept. 11, 2024. She battled with symptoms of COPD and congestive heart failure in her last years, yet she remained in good spirits, always up for a conversation full of lots of laughs. She particularly enjoyed giving hugs and treats to her grand-dog, Maisy.

Pauline was the third child to Alfred and Agnes Schroeder. The oldest, her brother, Freddie, pre-deceased her, and her older sister Norma "Toots" Coldren lives in Castro Valley, CA with her children, grand-children and great-children.

Pauline is survived by her four children: Paul Dana, Michelle Ridings, Mark Dana and Marcie Montague, as well as grand children Danny Ridings, Christina Ridings, Christie Montague Fusco and husband Phil Fusco, and Will Montague. She has one great grandchild, Clara Fusco.

Pauline lived a very full life that took her from her birthplace of Oakland, California and the Bay area, to Washington, D.C., where she worked for the Assocation of American Railroads until she retired, then to Cary, NC. She moved to Phoenix, AZ where she enjoyed many fun reunions with her long-time friends, Fala and Bob Gemigniani who wintered in Scottsdale and Leslie and Bob Foster who frequently spent time in Scottsdale visiting their children. She returned to Cary, NC for her later years to be near her two daughters.

Pauline will forever be known as a fiery, passionate, out-spoken and strong woman. She spent more time laughing than crying, and loved her friends, family and all dogs, but especially her companion for many years, Schroeder the dachshund. She will be greatly missed.

A celebration of life will be held for family on Oct. 12, 2024, and for all who would like to attend on May 4, 2025 at the Duke Chapel since Pauline donated her body to Duke Medical, where her last gift will be one of teaching for the students.