Pauline S. Fincham

Pauline S. Fincham, 98, of Gladstone, MO, passed away on June 5, 2025, at Northcare Hospice House in Kansas City, MO.

A graveside funeral was held at 1 p.m., Saturday, June 21, at the Salem Lutheran Church Cemetery, south of Axtell.  Pastor Jeff Swanson officiated.

On February 13, 1927, Pauline was born to Martin and Ada (Bowman) Samuelson in Vliets, KS. She won first place at the 1937 Marshall County Spelling Bee in Marysville and was a 1944 high school graduate from Frankfort High School. Pauline married her high school sweetheart, Gerald Fincham, on March 20, 1948, in Kansas City, MO. They welcomed two sons, Tim and Tom. Gerald preceded her in death on April 8, 1987. She later married John Wilcox, and he preceded her in 2011.

Pauline enjoyed working and had many various jobs that included, homemaker, secretary, waitress/server at Mission Hills Country Club and for Hallmark Cards and Folgers Coffee Company.

She was a member of the Women’s Battalion of the Missouri State Guard during WWII, and the Kansas City Choral Symphony. Pauline enjoyed teaching Sunday School and was a member and leader of the Women’s Circle.

After retiring, Pauline enjoyed traveling, having gone to Hawaii and on an Alaskan Cruise. She toured the California Wine Country with her son Tom and his wife Kathy.

Everyone always wanted to go to Aunt Pauline and Uncle Gerald's home. It was constantly the center of the family gatherings. Pauline had a generous spirit, a beautiful smile, and tremendous energy. She was a loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, and friend to everyone.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husbands, Gerald and John; son, Tom; and four sisters and two brothers.

Survivors include son, Tim (Brenda) Fincham, Kansas City, MO; daughter-in-law, Kathy Fincham, Parkville, MO; and two grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial fund has been established to the Salem Lutheran Church Cemetery. Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary, P.O. Box 147, Marysville, KS 66508.