Pauline Reiff

Pauline Ann Reiff passed away April 23, 2010 after a long valiant battle against cancer. Born on May 28, 1941 in Lakefield, Minnesota to Peter and Susan (Tkach) Pletz was one of six children – three brothers and two sisters. She lived in a small farmhouse and attended rural elementary school. In 1959 she graduated from Lakefield High School. After graduation Pauline moved to Minneapolis where she worked and attended modeling school. She eventually returned to her farm in Lakefield to take care of her mother a testament to her kindness and caring love.

Pauline was married to Ralph A. Reiff on August 17, 1963 in Lakefield, MN. They have three children together – William, Catherine, and Thomas. In 1968, they moved to Florida for a few years to escape the cold Minnesota winters, and then moved to California. In 1979, they moved to Denver, CO where they have lived for the past 30 years. Pauline was deeply devoted to her family. A loving mother who was always there to take care of her children, a little scrap healed with a kiss, a fever reduced with a touch, no job was too much her to handle.

A woman of remarkable strength, strong will, and unwavering love and caring, Pauline was a successful business woman and generous friend and mother to all who knew her. Pauline opened and operated her own daycare business from her home since 1990. Over the past 20 years she has cared for hundreds of children. Up until her death she continued to hear and be visited from children she cared for. Some customers created a nicknamed for her, 'Saint Pauline.' No matter how many children were present at one time she always had things under control. Pauline always said she was happiest when she had a dozen kids to watch. The kids learned many things from Pauline; how to treat people nicely, how to use the big potty, how to say please and thank you, how to eat a variety of good food, and how to sing and dance among other things. However, not only did children learn from her, so did parents, such as laundry tips, how to use natural, everyday items to fix ordinary ailments like chapped lips and tummy aches. It's safe to say that parents felt secure and comfortable when dropping their child off for Pauline to watch, as evident in the following quotes.

Parent quotes:

"You are such an important person in our lives. I never thought I would work when I had small children, and thought it would kill me to have to leave them with someone else. But then I found you! It was so easy knowing you were the one watching them and knowing they were in such good hands. I know they loved being there because they always looked forward to coming over. .. The kids always wanted to include you in the important things in their lives. I can't tell you how many people commented on how great it was that you showed up for their birthday parties, baseball games, you name it, you were always there for us."

"Pauline happened into my life, or we happened into hers about 4 years ago. My son was 2 and through a dear friend of mine,… I was introduced to Pauline and Ralph. Pauline welcomed Mason into her home, as if he were her own. She was so nurturing, loving and kind. Her energy was astounding! She loved children and was passionate about what she did. I truly enjoyed every morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up at Pauline's house. It was like visiting my family."

"My children were blessed to be in her care. She loved each of her kiddos in a special way. If something ailed them, she had a natural remedy to share. Her smile will be missed. I will continue to honor her name by sharing stories about her."

In addition to operating a daycare facility, Pauline was a strong woman of faith and enjoyed traveling, animals, and spending time with family. She especially enjoyed traveling to Switzerland and Hawaii where she enjoyed the scenic beauty. Having grown up on a farm she and her siblings all had horses. Pauline took pleasure in riding her appaloosa pony and even raced horses at times. Family played a very important role in shaping Pauline's life. She could always be found in the middle of a gathering or partying socializing with all her family and friends. She never wanted to miss a moment or a game of cards.

Pauline is survived by her husband, Ralph; three children, William, Catherine, and Thomas; two sisters, Patricia and Philomine, and her brother Phillip. She also has three grandchildren, Ava, Lauren, and Mark.

Pauline will live in our hearts and minds forever, for she was too well loved to be forgotten. She will be missed deeply by all she touched.

In lieu of flowers, Pauline requests that donations be made to Our Lady of Loreto Church.