Thursday, May 2, 2024
Pauline A. MacMillan, 91, departed this world on January 29, 2024. She was a bright and comforting light and will be missed by all those who loved her.
Born March 16, 1932, in Uniontown, Ohio, Pauline’s ambitions took her far beyond her small-town upbringing. Graduating from Kent State University with a degree in education, Pauline began a career in teaching.
But life took an unexpected turn in 1956 when she was selected to become a Trans World Airline (TWA) Hostess. She embraced the opportunity to travel and explore the world. While assigned to flying out of New York’s LaGuardia Airport, she met Ian, the handsome and engaging Pan American Airlines (PAA) captain who was to become her husband of 40 years.
In 1972, Ian and Polly settled into their “forever” home in Edmonds. With a picturesque view of the Olympic Mountains and the Puget Sound, Ian and Polly derived a great deal of pleasure and joy from experiences surrounding their home.
There were many happy memories (and pictures!) of occasions celebrating family, friends and out-of-town guests. The Edmonds area suited them well, and they both relished the many beautiful landmarks associated with Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.
When husband Ian passed away in January of 2000, Pauline embarked on a meaningful “second” chapter of her life. She volunteered almost 5,000 hours at Stevens Hospital (aka Swedish Edmonds).
She vacationed in Hawaii with her daughter, Heather; cruised to Alaska with her daughter, Lynne, and family; and traveled over the Cascade mountains for stays with her daughter, Laurie and family.
Pauline was also active in the local Seattle chapter of “Clipped Wings International” (so named by a retired TWA Hostess who remembered her father “clipping the wings of hens on their farm to keep them from flying the coop!”). She enjoyed her association with this elite group of former TWA flight attendants who also had shared in such an exciting career.
In later years, when independence was not as easy and the need for extra care began, Pauline had the good fortune of meeting an amazing care companion, Ruta Kidane, and spent the remainder of her years under Ruta’s loving care. Pauline was a cherished member of the Kidane family, and she had a great fondness for Michael, Divora, Abi, and baby Naomi, as well as Ruta and Michael’s brothers and sisters!
Pauline’s greatest joy was her home and family. From the flowers on her deck to interesting mementos collected from travels around the world, Pauline enjoyed her life. She was blessed with loving warmth and support right to the end.
Her legacy will be one of unwavering devotion to those she held dear. She will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know her.
Preceded in death by her husband, Ian. She is survived by her three daughters, Laurie (Roger) Elliott; Lynne (Phillip) MacMillan-Stephens; Heather MacMillan; and her three grandchildren, Nathaniel and Kimberly Elliott, and Ariana Stephens.
A memorial service and Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Edmonds United Methodist Church, 828 Caspers St., Edmonds, with a reception to follow.
Anyone who knew Pauline and would like to attend is welcome.
Pauline would pleased to support the TWA Museum with any memorial donations. Gifts may made electronically through the TWAMuseum.org website, or by check to TWA Museum at 10 Richards Road, Suite 110, Kansas City, MO 64116.
Please be sure to include your name, phone number, the amount, and that your donation is in honor of Pauline’s memory. For any questions or more information, please contact the museum at twamuseum@gmail.com or call 816-234-1011.
