She grew up in Loveland and was graduated from Loveland High School in 1935. Pauline earned bachelor of science (1939) and masters of education (1949) degrees in vocational home economics from Colorado A&M (now Colorado State University). During a 20-year period, she taught home economics, nutrition and chemistry courses in several high schools, Nebraska State Teachers College (Chadron, Neb.), and Mesa College (Grand Junction). Her unusual experiences as a young teacher in the Great Depression and World War II were the source of endless stories.
During and after her teaching career, Pauline’s greatest professional interest was vocational education, and she was very active in the Colorado Vocational Association (CVA). She served as its executive director for 15 years and published its newsletter for 25 years. She also served six years as a member of the Colorado Governing Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education.
She received Outstanding Service awards from the American and Colorado vocational associations. She was a member of the CVA Hall of Fame. In 1980, she received the Honor Alumna Award from Colorado State University for Outstanding Professional Achievement.
Pauline married Bill McKean and his four children on July 25, 1959. Throughout their 48-year marriage, they were committed members of the United Methodist Church, first in Meeker and then Fort Collins. Pauline was active in the First United Methodist Vashti Circle for many years in Fort Collins.
With her death, her family has lost its matriarch, greatest character, story teller and historian.
Pauline was preceded in death by: her husband, Bill, in 2008; two brothers, Andrew and Warren; and two sisters, Louise and Virginia.
She is survived by: sons Bill and his wife, Carol, Marty and his wife, Mary and Jim and his wife, Lina; daughter Mary Ann Wright and her husband, Wes; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on March 31, 2015, in the Chapel of the First United Methodist Church, 1005 Stover St., in Fort Collins. A reception will be held at the church after the service.
Donations in Pauline’s memory can be made to the Lucile Fee Scholarship Fund at Colorado State University or the First United Methodist Foundation, Fort Collins, Colo.
