Shrewsbury – Pauline R. (MacKoul) Debs, 87, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully Monday, Oct. 5, 2015 at UMass Memorial Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family. Pauline’s husband of 40 years, Edward G. Debs Sr., passed away Jan. 26, 1991.
She is survived by her loving daughter, Elizabeth M. Debs-Santora and her husband Steven of North Grafton; her daughter-in-law, Suzanne Debs of Canandaigua, N.Y.; two brothers, Albert MacKoul and his wife Gladys of West Dennis and George MacKoul and his wife Jeanette of Shrewsbury; two grandchildren, Samantha Santora of Palmer and Darren Debs of Canandaigua, N.Y.; two great grandchildren, Emma and MacKenzie Columbus; her sister-in-law, Mabel Assad of York, Maine; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Dr. Edward G. Debs Jr.; a brother, Raymond MacKoul; and three sisters, Virginia A. Mariani, Eva Sawayer and Eleanor Walker.
She was born in Worcester, a daughter to the late Lebanese immigrants Joseph and Mary (Haddad) MacKoul. She graduated from Commerce High School and lived in Worcester until 1950 then later moved to Shrewsbury. Pauline was a hostess at Wendy’s in Westborough for many years and previously worked for Worcester County Hospital as a cook.
Pauline was a devoted member of Saint George Orthodox Cathedral where she volunteered in the kitchen, helped organize coffee hour after church and fashion shows, cooked dinners, and participated in several other functions. She was a member of the church’s Women’s Club, The Stella Chapter #3 Order of the Eastern Star, and Shrewsbury Women’s Club. Besides her volunteer work at the church, she also volunteered at the Friendly House, Prospect House and UMass Memorial Medical Center Gift Shop.
Pauline’s most memorable skills will be her cooking of Lebanese cuisine in which she shared with family and friends, this often left one’s palate lingering for more. She was very proud of her cooking accomplishments and undoubtedly was a self-proclaimed master of the cuisine. One of her salient traits was her vivacious personality, which often times made her the life of the party.
Pauline also engaged in a modeling career for several local department stores along with her teachings at John Robert Power in etiquette skills. Although most people would consider it a vanity, she had impeccable taste for clothing. She was self-disciplined when it came to her appearance in attire and demeanor. She knew the meaning of living and feeling glamorous.
A period of calling hours will be held Friday, Oct. 9, from 5-8 p.m., in the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., Worcester, and again Saturday, Oct. 10, from 9-9:45 a.m., in Saint George Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Anna St., Worcester, followed by her funeral service at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Hope Cemetery, Worcester. A Trisagion service will be held Friday evening at 7:45 p.m. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Saint George Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Anna St., Worcester, MA 01604.
To share your thoughts and memories of Pauline, visit her personal guestbook at www.mercadantefuneral.com.
