Pauline
Agnes Corse, 91, died peacefully in the presence of her son, Martin,
and her beloved Chihuahua, Annabelle, on August 6, 2024, in Chino
Hills, Calif., where Pauline lived for 42 years.
Born
in Reedsboro, Vt., on December 2, 1932, Pauline was the middle child
of Merroll and Neva Corse of Whitingham, Vt. She was raised on the
Corse farm with her siblings, Lewis and Charlotte. Pauline was class
valedictorian at Whitingham High School and attended the University
of Vermont. She moved to Los Angeles and married Arthur Aroian. They
raised their children, Sharon, Martin and Nancy, in La Habra, Calif.,
and were married 22 years. Pauline received her BA and MA in English
from California State University Fullerton and taught journalism and
English at Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., for 30 years.
In 1994, Pauline married her longtime friend, Oscar Boyajian. They
shared 18 wonderful years together, until Oscar’s death in 2006. A
strong advocate of equality and education for all, Pauline maintained
a steadfast belief in self-governance through democracy. She loved
reading, book collecting, music and lively discussions about
politics. Her unwavering support helped her children and
grandchildren pursue their education and find their way in the world.
Pauline
is survived by her three children, seven of her nine grandchildren,
eight great-grandchildren, her sister, and numerous nieces and
nephews. Per her wishes, Pauline’s ashes will be placed under a
favorite maple tree near the sugarhouse on the Corse farm in
Whitingham.
This article appears in Aug 14-20, 2024.