Pauline R. Young

Pauline was born on November 24, 1937 in Emporia, Kansas. She was the oldest daughter of Bertha (Bowers) and Paul Browning. In 1943, her younger sister, Sara Ann Browning was born with Downs Syndrome.

During World War II, and her early school years, Pauline's family moved to San Francisco, CA due to her father's work as a civilian electrical contractor for the U.S. Navy.

Eventually, the family moved back to the Emporia, KS area where Pauline attended several elementary schools, including Neosha Rapids and Baldwin City. She graduated from high school in Emporia, KS. She attended college at Emporia State University and was a member of Sigma Kappa sorority. During this time, while attending a sorority function, she met Stephen F. Young, from Scott City, KS. He was studying at Washburn University in Topeka, KS. They quickly fell in love and in December 1959, decided to elope; against the wishes of both their parents. Soon all was forgiven and upon graduation the married couple moved to Desoto and then Bonner Springs, KS, where Pauline taught High School Home Economics.

Their first child, Paula JoAnne, was born in 1963. Once dental school was complete, Dr. Young joined the Air Force and they moved to Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. In 1965, they returned to Olathe where Dr. Young opened his dental practice and they made their permanent home.

Pauline had two other children; Christopher Stephen, in 1966, and David Filson in 1968. During these years Pauline was very active in the community, including Olathe Junior Service League, where she served twice as President; Chrysantas Club and Friends of the Library. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church, now Grace United Methodist Church. She was also involved organizing the "Orange Barrel Follies", a benefit for the Deaf Cultural Center.

Sadly, Stephen and Pauline were divorced in 1985. Pauline returned to teaching at Oregon Trail Jr. High and Indian Trail Jr. High. She then decided to pursue her Masters Degree in Counseling at Emporia State. She did this while working full time for Olathe School District; commuting between Olathe and Emporia for classes each day. This led to her career as a high school counselor at Olathe South where she worked for 13 years until retiring in 2005.

Pauline could be found about town lunching with her Gourmet Gals and attending local plays at the Chestnut Theater. She had fun traveling to visit son David, his wife Misty and their son Ryan in Florida. She also ventured to Texas to visit daughter Paula, her husband Tom and grand-daughters Sarah and Kate. Her son Christopher lives in Olathe with his wife Debbie and their daughters Maggie and Abby.

In 2010, due to health concerns, Pauline moved to Homestead Memory Care North in Olathe. Despite the challenges she faced battling Alzheimer's disease, she grew comfortable in her new home and was able to maintain her dignity through her faith, her loving family and the wonderful care provided by the staff at Homestead.

Pauline and her family wish to have memorials shared in her honor with the following charities: The Alzheimer's Association, and Grace United Methodist Church.