Pauline Constance Montgomery

Pauline Constance (Gargano) Montgomery, 88, of St. Joseph, died surrounded by her loving family Sunday, December 1, 2019 at Hanson Hospice Center, St. Joseph. Pauline was born December 2, 1930 on her family fruit farm in Covert, MI. She attended Covert schools and moved to Benton Harbor; residing at the Eleanor House for single women as a sister of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority, and began work at Whirlpool Corporation. It was at Whirlpool where Pauline and William (Bill) Montgomery of Buchanan were introduced. They were married April 23, 1955 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Benton Harbor. The mother of four sons, Pauline was active in all things school, band, scouts, and taxi service. You couldn’t miss Pauline at the SJHS football concession stands or a Boy Scout chicken dinner – 5’2’’ and in command. Pauline hosted many parties for Bill’s Whirlpool and Sears associates, and was an avid golfer for many years at Berrien Hills Country Club. Pauline’s favorite memories are of all the families and kids that grew up on Thayer Drive. Survivors include sons Timothy (St. Joseph, MI), William (Charleston, SC), James (Gainesville, GA) and Ronald (West Bloomfield, MI); loving daughters-in-law Cheryl, Dianna, Christina, Lori, and Tiffany; cherished grandchildren Amy (Brandon), Blaine (Catherine), Michael, Lauren, Richard, Matthew, Jenna, Cameron, and Elinor; blessed great-grandchildren James, Ella, Caleb, and Elijah. Pauline is survived by brother Frank Gargano of Watervliet; numerous cousins, nephews and nieces; and “daughters” Jeannie Hinz & Janet Weaver. Pauline was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Bill; parents Charles and Anna Gargano; brothers Charles, Phil and Joseph Gargano, and sisters Grace Staniz and Christine Beirhalter. Visitation for Pauline will be Thursday, December 5, 2019 from 11am-1pm at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St Joseph, and funeral services from 1-2 pm. Burial will follow at Riverview Park Cemetery, St. Joseph. In lieu of flowers, friends may donate to Caring Circle Hospice or Hanson Hospice Center. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.