The Passing of Oma Pauley

Oma Mellora Ross Pauley passed away peacefully at St. Martha/s Nursing home under hospice care in Downingtown PA on June 17, 2022. She was 89 years old, a longtime member of Christ Church and Librarian at Ridley Park Library. Valedictorian of Garden City High School, Omie graduated Summa Cum Laude from Vassar in 1954 and earned her Masters Degree from the Harvard School of Education, with Honors in 1954. This was of course an extraordinary achievement for a woman at that time.

Omie was extremely talented with knitting and crochet. She was a valued contributor to the Prayer Shawl Ministry at Christ Church for many years. These shawls are made by parishioners who infuse their work with prayer. When shawls are completed, they are blessed, then distributed to those in need. The shawls bring great comfort to those struggling with physical illness or emotional distress.

She spoke several languages fluently and for most of us was the smartest person we knew. She was pre-deceased from her husband in 2008 Gerald Edwin Pauley. She is survived by her son G. David Pauley and two daughters Lynn Pauley and Kim Pauley. She had a grandson David T. Pauley and her grandson’s mother Christine Flanagan.

A private burial service will be held on July 7th at 9:30am for family.

On July 20th there will be an Evening Prayer in celebration of Oma Pauley at 7pm in the nave. This celebration service is open to all who loved and were encouraged by Omie. It will also be live-streamed. If she was a blessing to your life and you would like to volunteer to read or usher, please message Rev’d Jane soon.

Donations of flowers may be made in her honor for the celebration of life Evening Prayer on the 20th.

Contributions in the name of Oma Mellora Ross Pauley may be made to Christ Church Ridley Park or to the Friends of the Ridley Park Public Library.