Pauline Victoria Stephens, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed peacefully at her home in Galveston, Texas, on May 28, 2026, surrounded by the family she cherished above all else. She was 93 years old.

Born on November 18, 1932, in George West, Texas, Pauline lived a life defined by faith, hard work, selflessness, and unwavering love for her family. Her greatest joy was caring for others, and she dedicated her life to ensuring that those she loved felt supported, encouraged, and deeply cherished.

Pauline began her career at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), where she retired August 31, 1994, after 36 years of dedicated service. While she was proud of her professional accomplishments, her true life's work was her family. She lovingly helped raise not only her grandchildren but also her great-grandchildren, creating a legacy of love, strength, and devotion that will continue for generations.

A woman of deep Catholic faith, Pauline was a longtime parishioner of St. Mary's Catholic Church until Hurricane Ike, after which she became a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. Even when she was no longer able to attend Mass in person, she remained steadfast in her faith, faithfully praying the Rosary from home and drawing strength and comfort from her relationship with God.

Pauline embraced life with enthusiasm and gratitude. She treasured trips to the casinos in Las Vegas and Coushatta, Louisiana, with her sister Mary and brother-in-law Don. She was a dedicated member of the VFW, where she volunteered countless hours in the kitchen and enjoyed weekly games of bingo. She loved bowling alongside her grandchildren and sister Mary, working in her yard and never missed an opportunity to take part in football squares. Most of all, she loved attending her grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's activities, proudly supporting every milestone, game, and achievement.

Pauline's home was a place where family gathered, stories were shared, and love was abundant. She taught by example the importance of kindness, generosity, perseverance, and putting family first. Her presence was a blessing to all who knew her, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Pauline was preceded in death by her parents, William John Trbula Sr. and Pauline Antonia Trbula; husbands, Robert Fawcett Sr., Eugene Clark, and Elmer Thomas Stephens; her stepdaughter, Mary Catherine Fawcett; her brother, William John Trbula Jr.; her brother-in-law, Donald Monnell; her grandson, Jason Reed; and her nephew, Daniel Monnell.

She is survived by her loving siblings, Mary Monnell, Eugene Trbula, and Jane Fisher; her children, Nancy Lowry, Steven Fawcett (Alice), Sharron Griffin, Robert Fawcett Jr., and Clinton Fawcett; her grandchildren, Rodney Sims (Dawn), Ashley Fawcett-Carranza (Alex), Kiersti Fawcett-Carranza (Luis), Elliott Fawcett, Ashton Fawcett, and Avery Fawcett; and her great-grandchildren, Dominic Carranza, Vincent Carranza, Adrian Royce Carranza, Stephen Carranza, Skyler Carranza, Amberley Carranza, Caitlyn Reed, and Tyler Reed. She also leaves behind several extended great-grandchildren, including Shantel Sims, Hunter Sims, Julianna Carranza, Samuel Carranza Jr., and Nicole Carranza, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dee Dee McCandless, Priscilla Grant, and the entire staff of Magnolia Hospice Care for their compassionate care, kindness, and support during Pauline's final days.

Pauline's family will receive visitors at 5:00 pm, with a Rosary beginning at  6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at J. Levy & Termini Funeral Home.

A Funeral Mass celebrating Pauline's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Interment will follow at at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Steven Fawcett, Elliott Fawcett, Ashton Fawcett, Luis Carranza, Dominic Carranza, and Alex Carranza. Honorary pallbearers will be Vincent Carranza, Adrian Royce Carranza, and Stephen Carranza.

Though her family grieves her loss, they find comfort in knowing she is reunited with loved ones who have gone before her and is resting in the eternal peace of God's loving embrace. Pauline's life was a beautiful example of service, faith, and unconditional love—a legacy that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Meals on Wheels 2803 53rd Street Galveston, TX 77551 or St. Patrick Catholic Church 3424 Avenue K Galveston, TX 77550.