OBITUARY - Pauline P. Zoldak Yakulis, 94, of Haverford, formerly of Claymont, Del., and East Vandergrift, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 17, 2016.

She was the wife of the late Lawrence Henry (Harry) Yakulis Sr.; mother of Larry, Paul, Tom and the late Mary Carla Schuler.

Pauline also is survived by eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild; her sister Joan Lazor, of Indiana; and a number of nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters: George, Andrew, Joseph, Mary Rose, John, Frank, Steve and Anna.

Born in Homer City, Pauline initially pursued a career in nursing. She studied at St. Francis Medical Center School of Nursing and successfully graduated with her degree. After a relatively short period of employment at St. Francis, where she enjoyed her assignment in the emergency room, she enlisted in the Navy in 1944 as a nurse. She achieved the rank of lieutenant (junior grade) and cared for wounded sailors at Brooklyn Navy Yard, the Philadelphia Navy Yard and Naval Station Norfolk. After the war, she was honorably discharged but returned to active duty at the request of the Navy to continue to care for wounded sailors.

Following her naval service, she married Harry Yakulis, moved to East Vandergrift, and had four children while Harry ran the family grocery store. When Harry passed away in 1965, Pauline assumed responsibility for operating the grocery store and ran it successfully until her retirement. She was a very active member of St. Casimir’s Catholic Church and took pride in decorating the church with flowers and cooking for the church’s participation in Ethnic Days.

She was intent on ensuring the education of her children and sent all off to college: Larry to the University of Pennsylvania, Paul to Princeton University, Tom to Cornell University and Mary Carla to Drexel University. Upon her retirement, she moved to Claymont, Del, to be close to her children and grandchildren. In 2015, she moved to Brandywine Senior Living Estates in Haverford to be closer to her sons.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Aug. 27, at Our Lady, Queen of Peace Catholic Church in East Vandergrift, followed by burial in St. Gertrude’s Cemetery, Vandergrift.

DAUGHTER'S OBITUARY - Mary C. Schuler, age 50, of Wilmington, DE, formerly of East Vandergrift, PA, died on November 14, 2009 at home surrounded by family.

Mary was a 1977 graduate of Kiski Area High School, Leechburg, PA and she earned her Bachelor of Science from Drexel University, with honors in 1982.

Mary was working as a Kindergarten teacher's assistant at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School. She was previously employed as an auditor at Mellon Bank in Philadelphia, PA from 1984 to 1992 and as a bank examiner for the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, 1982 to 1984.

Mary was an incredibly nurturing mother, a loving and dedicated wife. She most enjoyed having dinners with her family. Mary was very creative and enjoyed drawing and crafts. As an assistant teacher she looked forward to spending time with her kindergarten class. Mary's big blue eyes and incredible smile would light up any room. She was an angelic woman with a heart of gold. Anyone who knew Mary was blessed to call her a friend.

She was an active member and volunteer at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church as well as the Elks Swim Club.

Mary is survived by her loving husband Brian Schuler originally from Perkasie, PA daughter Erin, and son Mark. She is also survived by her mother, Pauline Yakulis formerly of East Vandergrift, PA and her brothers Larry of Horsham, PA, Tom of Philadelphia, PA and Paul of Radnor, PA as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Wednesday, November 18th at 11 am at St. Mary Magdelan Church, Concord Pike and Sharpley Road, where friends may visit with the family beginning at 10 am. Friends may also visit with the family on Tuesday evening, November 17th at the CHANDLER FUNERAL HOME, 2506 Concord Pike, Sharpley from 6-8 pm. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made in Mary's memory to Delaware Hospice, 3515 Silverside Rd, Wilmington, DE 19810.