Pauline N. Clausen

Pauline N. Sweet Clausen, 75, Rockford, died at 3:52 a.m. Thursday, September 24, 2009 in OSF St. Anthony Medical Center surrounded by her loving family.  Born May 30, 1934 in Polo, Illinois, daughter of Paul and Mildred Parker Sweet.  Rockford resident for 54 years.  Married Paul J. Clausen in Rockford on June 22, 1957.  After attending Northern Illinois University, she then graduated from Rockford Memorial Hospital School of Medical Technology where she was employed for over 25 years.  She retired in 1994.  Member of the Cathedral of St. Peter.  Pauline was introduced to gardening by her Grandmother Sweet and it became a lifelong hobby and passion. She was famous throughout Rockford for her annual Plant Sale.  Paul & Paulines garden was featured on the Klehm Arboretum Garden Glory Walk on 2 occasions. Pauline was known for having one of the largest collections of rare and unusual perennials in the area.   She instilled her love of gardening in her son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren as well as many others.  She was a member of several garden clubs and had been honored by receiving national recognition, including being featured in Chicagoland Gardening Magazine.  She was also known for her artistic ability in making floral arrangements and elaborate bows.    She had traveled the world, including making eight trips to Rome for Vatican Conferences.  She was a very selfless person who always took care of people and was quite sensitive to people with disabilities. Being a good neighbor and a good friend were important to her.  Her main focus was always her family and she was especially devoted to her grandchildren.  She had strong faith and lived for her family and friends. Survivors include her husband, Paul; son John G. (Mary Beth) Clausen, Shorewood; grandchildren, Erin Elizabeth Clausen, Katherine Marie Clausen and John Patrick (J.P.) Clausen; sister, Barbara Crosby, Rockford and brother, William A. (Elaine) Sweet, Oregon.  Also survived by niece and nephew, William D. (Karen) Sweet and Suzanne Sweet; great-nephews, Brandon and Sean Sweet and great niece, Shannon Engelhardt.  Predeceased by infant sons, Paul Jerome Clausen, Jr. and Gerard Joseph Clausen, her infant brother, Leonard Sweet, and her parents. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 28, 2009 in the Cathedral of St. Peter with Rev. David E. Beauvais and Paulines brother-in-law, Msgr. William Clausen concelebrating.  Burial in Fairmount Cemetery , Polo.  Visitation from 2:00 p.m until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd.  with a Christian Wake Service to be held at 5:30 p.m.  Visitation also from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. at the church on Monday.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Easter Seals, Joliet Region, 212 Barney Dr . , Joliet , IL . 60435.  Condolences and memories can be shared at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.