Ephrata Alumni Association

Pauline Simpson Anderson

Ephrata High School class of 1952

Nominator: Margaret Smothers Treiber - Ephrata High School class of 1952

I am nominating my high school classmate and long-time friend Pauline Simpson Anderson from the Ephrata High School class of 1952. Pauline is like many of us here today, born and raised in Ephrata; having lived within a multi-generation family where we learned to love and respect our elders. We learned the importance of showing compassion and respect of others as well. Developing and practicing small-town values was very important during our growing up years in the 1940s and 50s.

Pauline lost both of her parents at an early age and lived with her brother John and his family where she learned accountability and responsibility while helping out with the family’s business, the Grant County Journal.

Because she grew up with a sense of giving and serving others, Pauline chose to educate herself as a nurse. After graduating from Ephrata High School in 1952 she attended the University of Washington, graduating in 1956 with a degree in nursing. After raising her family of four children she attended Western Washington University to earn a degree in teaching. She spent many years in the position of teaching nurse at Bellingham Technical School instructing others in the methods of providing positive and compassionate care-giving. She eventually advanced to take on administrative duties.

Through her church and community outreach programs Pauline gives selflessly. She is well-known for administering to those who needed the kind of care and special attention she has to offer.

Now, in her later years, Pauline still continues to be a giving, loving and attentive person. She finds herself in a position where she is the devoted caretaker for a family member in need, all the time neglecting her own needs to bring comfort to another. For over a year Pauline lived in a care facility with her husband in order to insure that he received the best care possible. Eventually she adapted her home to fit her husband’s needs and moved him home where she lovingly cares for him.

I believe she is very deserving to be honored here today and I believe that she is a fine representative for all of us who find ourselves in a similar situation.

Pauline serves as a wonderful role model for her fellow graduates of Ephrata High School.