Wanda Louise Collins Pauler passed away peacefully on December 18, 2013, with her sons and loving caretakers by her side. She was born in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, on March 22, 1931. She moved with her family to Wharton County where she attended and graduated from Wharton County Junior College. While in Wharton she met the love of her life, Edwin A. “Eddie” Pauler, with whom she spent fifty-two years raising a family and spoiling her grandchildren. Wanda was a person who was loving, generous and kind but, when needed, was not afraid to put her foot down with her sons or Eddie.
When her sons began attending Texas A&M University she became a member of the Beaumont A&M Mother’s Club in which she held several offices. She also became an officer of The Federation of A&M Mother’s Clubs and held all elective offices, including president. During her tenure as the vice-president charged with assisting new clubs she helped start the first club outside the state of Texas. She and Eddie were always ready to help her sons and their friends in any way they could, which earned her the nickname “Mama Pauler” from many of them. While president of The Federation of A&M Mother’s Clubs she was referred to by the son of another officer as the grand poobah of the organization which led to her requesting to be called Poobah by two of her grandchildren.
Wanda worked all of her life for different people and companies but was always regarded as someone who would go the extra mile. Her longest working association was with the Garth Family as the assistant to C. Tyrell Garth, Jr. She became almost a family member as she was always ready to do anything to help at a moment’s notice. She will always be remembered for her love of children, her own and others.
Wanda was preceded in death by her loving husband, Eddie. She is survived by her sons, Bobby and wife Bonnie and Don and wife Terrie; four grandchildren, Brian Pauler, Christopher Pauler, Rose Pauler, and David Pauler; and a sister; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Her sons would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors and staff of Baptist Beaumont Hospital for the outstanding care during mother’s last days. And extra special thank you to Mallory, Paula, Lucy, and Lupita, Wanda’s caregivers for the last few years. You made her life special in the good times and the tough ones too. You will always have a place in our hearts.
A funeral service for Mrs. Pauler will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 20, 2013, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Interment will follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont, with Brian Pauler, Christopher Pauler, Rose Pauler, David Pauler, Barney Garza, and Clark Teel serving as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Beaumont A&M Moms Club, c/o Lori Anderson, President, 6070 Pan, Beaumont, Texas 77706; The Federation of Texas A&M Mother’s Club, P.O. Box 1443, College Station, Texas 77841; First Baptist Church, 900 Calder, Beaumont, Texas 77701; or to a charity of one’s choice.
