Pauline Chilton
February 16, 1960 - April 18, 2011
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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
Kelina Foley says:
April 19, 2011
I met and knew Pauline through my partner, Christian Young, Margaret and Robert Young’s son. She seemed such a warm, caring and honest person. Even though I did not know her long, I feel blessed to have met her when I did. From what I have heard, she seemed to be one of those truly rare people that never spoke a harsh word or lie about anyone.
I know that she will be truly missed by so many people.
God Bless you Pauline…may your soul and heart be at rest.
Lynn & Burr & Saylor Buman says:
April 19, 2011
Pauline’s strength made all of us stronger. Her warm smile and gracious witty personality will stay in our hearts even though she left us too early. We will miss her so much. Our hearts goes out to Sal and Pauline’s family.
Enjoy your tea where ever you are!
Lynn & Burr & Saylor
Ronni and Gil Lasky says:
April 19, 2011
There will never be anyone whose love of life and love of people matched Pauline’s. Her graciousness, warmth, wit and charm enchanted and inspired us all. She will be forever and ever missed. We send our deepest sympathy and love to Sal and Pauline’s entire family. ~Ronni and Gil
sue levine says:
April 19, 2011
My heart goes out to sal rhonda and paulines family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. Although i didnt know sal and pauline personally through rhonda i have gotten to know them both. I hope pauline is now atpeace and her soul lives on through sal. sue levine
Charles Williams says:
April 20, 2011
Pauline and my wife Sylvia Williams, met in San Clemente in 1982. They became instant and dear friends. For the next twelve years Pauline & Sylvia remained the closest of Friends while we lived in California. In 1994 we moved back to the East Coast, but Pauline & Sylvia’s friendship endured. It was a blessing to observe such a precious and true friendship between two individuals. We cherish our friendship with Sal, who was fortunate enough to meet and to marry Sylvia’s best friend. Pauline we miss you and love you so much!