Pauline Chilton
February 16, 1960 - April 18, 2011
- Share:
Pauline Chilton
February 16, 1960 - April 18, 2011
Obituary
Pauline was born on February 16, 1960 in Newcastle, England. She was the daughter of Phil and Rita Chilton and the younger sister of Valerie and Anne. She grew up in the Newcastle area where she excelled at sports and became a top fashion model at age sixteen. From sixteen to age 21 she shuttled between Newcastle and London pursuing her modeling career.
The Chilton name is also significant in American history as the first person to step onto Plymouth Rock from the Mayflower was a fourteen year-old-girl named Mary Chilton. Pauline’s side of the Chilton family decided to stay in the United Kingdom. In 1980, Pauline decided to follow her ancestors to America, and despite having no job, no money, and not knowing anyone she arrived in Orange County, California.
In the next ten years, Pauline established herself as a prominent resident of Orange County. She continued her modeling; taught fashion at Fullerton College, as well as taught etiquette to both adults and children. Additionally, she helped establish the ‘Days of Taste’ initiative for the American Institute of Wine and Food AIWF, a program designed to teach etiquette to fourth graders. In her spare time she sold real estate and became a good friend to countless ladies. And, she became one of the most accomplished shoppers of women’s clothing in America. Pauline was also an accomplished painter, but refused to exhibit her work.
On September 10, 1990 she taught an etiquette class at the Robert Mondavi Cultural Center in Costa Mesa, California–one of her students was Sal DiMascio. He brought her an apple after class and on September 10, 1995–exactly five years later, they were married. Pauline continued her various careers on a part time basis, and she and Sal collected art and traveled the world for the next fifteen years. Pauline and Sal visited her beloved England often each year, and her family also made many, many trips out here to see her. Pauline also became a U.S. citizen. Pauline and Sal claimed that they were on their honeymoon for their entire marriage.
In 2010 Pauline founded ‘The Pet Club,’ a woman’s charitable organization devoted to raising funds for the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter. This organization will continue and has been renamed ‘Pauline’s Pet Club,’ in her honor. Donations may be made to the Pet Project Foundation benefitting the animals of the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter, 949-492-1617 or to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 714-957-9157.
Pauline’s most important achievement was to become a dear friend to almost everyone she was friendly with. She was Sal’s best friend. She was a force of nature who will be missed.
52 responses to Pauline Chilton
Barbara Greenfield says:
April 19, 2011
I always thought of Pauline as an angel who had descended onto this earth for only a short while whose mission it was to shine her light and help make all of our lives a little brighter for those of us lucky enough to have known her and have been touched by her grace. I feel so grateful and so blessed to have known her. Love to you Sal and to Pauline, wherever you are dear one.
Christian Young says:
April 19, 2011
What a lovely, caring, radiant, beautiful and above all genuine human being Pauline was. She always made me smile, because she was always smiling…always happy. I’m sure she had her off days…her bad days like we all do, but you never knew it with her…she was always so upbeat even in the face of adversity. I have wonderful memories of Pauline…my parents thought the absolute world of her, as we all did. Her voice…what a lovely voice…I can hear it now on my folks answering machine….Hi Margaret, it’s Pauline….so upbeat and cheery…..God Bless you Pauline…God Bless you always and forever…..go be with your fellow angels in Heaven.
Connie and Darwin Reinglass says:
April 19, 2011
Dear Pauline – you will be so missed by all of those whose lives you touched. We will miss your graciousness and melodious laughter. What a wonderful and classy lady you were and Darwin and I feel very blessed to have gotten to know you. Our hearts go out to Sal and your family. Connie and Darwin
Elizabeth Bamattre says:
April 19, 2011
It is hard to believe such a bright light is gone from our lives. Pauline always had a smile on her face and in her voice. Beautiful, kind, warm – Pauline had so many attributes – those she met became friends instantly. She was proud of her home and was a brilliant host. She was proud of her family and lit up even more when she spoke of the love of her life, Sal. A lasting image – Pauline sitting on her patio amongst her lovely ‘tea tables’ and best china – smiling as Sal walked by and kissed the top of her head. Farewell sweet friend.
Justin Driggers says:
April 19, 2011
Always full of smiles and cheer. She always had a way with people that made them smile and enjoy their lives that much more. She was a light in this dark world. I for one, though there are definitely many, will miss her.
My deepest condolences to Sal and family.