Pauline Schweinfurth Becker

Pauline Schweinfurth Becker
1921-2023

An amazing woman, who preferred anonymity more than anything else, Pauline Schweinfurth Becker, born to German immigrants Charles L. and Pauline “Mary” Schweinfurth, passed away peacefully in her Sarasota home surrounded by friends and loving caregivers on Sunday, September 10, 2023 at the age of 102. She was born in Newark, New Jersey on June 27, 1921. Nicknamed Line (pronounced Leanie), Pauline and her parents moved to Roseland, New Jersey in 1930. Her father became the Chief of Police for Roseland. A farm girl at heart, she was diligent and determined in whatever she did. After finishing high school, Pauline worked at the Henry Beckers Dairy Farm (Roseland) and married the boss, Henry Eugene (Gene) Becker. The Becker’s sold the farm to Essex County in 1969 and donated their homestead and Barn to the Roseland Historical Society in 1982. Shortly thereafter, they settled full time in Sarasota. Gene, her husband of 63 years, passed away in 2003.

In the early 80’s, Pauline volunteered for the Pelican Man (now Save Our Seabirds) and subsequently for 35 years at Mote Marine Laboratory, first in the Gift Shop and then in the Library. She loved the interaction with the scientists, she would say with a glint in her eyes. Quietly and behind the scenes, insisting on anonymity, she also generously provided financial support to the fledgling laboratory, from Shark cancer research to the study of Spotted Eagle rays and scholarships for youths interested in marine science. Similarly she supported organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches, SPARCC, Easter Seals Happiness House, Lighthouse for the Blind, Kessler Foundation, Ringling College of Art and Design, Rotary Club of Sarasota Foundation, Southeast Guide Dogs, Inc and many more. She loved to support “open spaces” projects and organizations; and truly believed that Sarasota was being paved over. In that vein, she supported the Bay Park Conservancy, the Gulf Coast Conservation Foundation and other environmental causes. She always stepped up with support when disaster assistance was needed.

She served on the Board of Trustees of both Mote Marine Laboratory and the Ringling College of Art and Design.

Pauline lived her life fully with zest, but remained modest and humble. She served on the Board of Trustees of both Mote Marine Laboratory and the Ringling College of Art and Design. She, along with her husband Gene, belonged to a Cross Country Car club and spent three decades driving with friends across the country coast to coast. She loved her green Pierce Arrow which now resides at the Library and Museum of the Antique Automobile Club of America Inc.(Hershey, Pennsylvania). Her husband’s passion for steam engines and railroad cars had her helping him in constructing and operating a small gauge railroad, Centerville and Southwestern Railway, spanning the entire area of their farm. The railroad delighted many young families in Roseland during the 40’s through early 70’s. The steam engines and locomotives now reside in the Philipsburg Railroad Historians museum, Philipsburg, New Jersey.

Pauline’s life mantra was to “talk straight and say it as it is”.

Pauline’s life mantra was to “talk straight and say it as it is”. She did not mince words. She had a strong independent streak, but was compassionate and empathetic towards the less fortunate. She loved her friends and cherished the conversations they had. She did not like crowds but she loved to go to lunches with a few friends. She remembered everything and with a sharp wit would easily disarm anyone. She loved her birthday parties, although she didn’t want them, especially as she was nearing 100. She listened more than she talked; and when she gave advice, people listened. All her friends invariably remarked about having received wise counsel from her at some turning point in their lives and were grateful. Her closest friends, when asked to describe her, often used words such as, Honest, Fair, Straightforward, Ethical, Generous, Confident, Committed, Determined, Compassionate, Charismatic, Charming, Sharp witted, humble, wise, an eye for details, etc. Pauline was a remarkable person, and as a wife of a lifelong Rotarian, lived the Rotary’s four way test in every aspect of her life: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build good will and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? She loved reading the Observer every week for local news and the articles became points of discussion with her friends for the week. As one of her closest anonymous friends writing this obituary, I wondered what she would say, probably “Why are you making all this fuss?! Don’t you have anything else to do?!”

Pauline’s funeral arrangements are being handled by Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park in Sarasota. Her cremated ashes will be interred next to her beloved husband, Gene, at Fairmount Cemetery in Newark, New Jersey and service is private as per her wish. In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties (3130 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, Florida 34237), Easter Seals Happiness House (350 Braden Avenue, Sarasota, Florida 34243), or to a charity of choice.

DONATIONS:
In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties (3130 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, Florida 34237), Easter Seals Happiness House (350 Braden Avenue, Sarasota, Florida 34243), or to a charity of choice.