Pauline Elizabeth Verling, born April 12, 1937 in Shoreditch, London, England, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2026 in Troy, Illinois.
She is survived by her husband John “Mo” Verling; her daughters Clare Johansen and Elaine Taylor; her son Mark Girling; and six grandchildren. The eldest of five children, Pauline grew up with two sisters and two brothers. All, but one, who preceded her in death, live in England.
Pauline’s father was a World War II veteran who served in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. During her father’s extended absence, Pauline, her mother, and her two sisters were evacuated from London to Lancashire to escape the Blitz. She remembered her time there fondly and returned to visit later in life.
After marrying John, Pauline embraced life as a military spouse. Their journey took them throughout the United States, including Texas, Illinois, Alaska, Kansas, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, and back to Illinois, as well as a tour in Germany. She spent the final 26 years of her life in Illinois. Pauline was known as a deeply caring commander’s spouse, especially during periods when the unit was away.
Pauline loved her pups. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to Stray Rescue of St. Louis, on her favorite charities: https://www.strayrescue.org/donate/.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 from 9–11 am, with a Memorial Service to follow at 11 am, with Deacon Bob Crosby officiating, at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O’Fallon, Ill.
Pauline will be laid to rest in a family ceremony at Desert Rose Cemetery, in John’s hometown of Lakeview, Oregon.
