Pauline Mary Accoe

Pauline M. Accoe, 93, of Dowagiac, passed away on Monday, September 25, 2017, at Lakeland Medical Center – St. Joseph surrounded by her family. Mass of Christian burial will take place on Monday, October 2, 2017 at 11 AM at Holy Maternity Catholic Church, 210 N. Front St., Dowagiac, with Father Richard Altine officiating. Burial will follow at Missions Hills Memorial Garden. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, October 1, 2017, from 4 PM until 8 PM with the Rosary being recited at 7:30 PM at Clark Chapel & Cremation Services, 405 Center St., Dowagiac. Memorial contributions may be made to The Cass Co. 4H Fair Dairy Barns. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.clarkch.com. Pauline was born on April 8, 1924 in Mishawaka, IN to John B. & Mary (Shimp) Monhaut. She graduated from South Bend Central High School in 1943. On February 19, 1944, she married the love of her life, Richard M. Accoe, in South Bend. They were happily married for 64 years before he passed away in 2008. Pauline loved tending to her family dairy farm. Together, she and Richard would care for their cows and run their farm as partners. She was a proud member of the Holy Maternity Catholic Church Ladies Guild, a leader at the Cass Co. 4H Fair and a graduate from Home Economics Mini College. In 1993, Pauline was awarded the Homemaker of The Year Award. She had always enjoyed cooking and sewing, but most important to her was her family. Pauline was an incredible lady, with a heart of gold. She will be missed dearly by everyone. Pauline is survived by her children, Richard J. (Lynn) Accoe of Dowagiac, Kathrine Orr of South Bend. Michael (Susan) Accoe of Dowagiac, and David Accoe of Dowagiac; grandchildren, Judi, Sherri, Anne, Shelli, Stuart, Kayla, Melanie, Becky, Ronda, Jared, Heather, Amy, and Randi; 34 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; and siblings, Alice Hartman, Eleanor Freehauf, and Julia Van de Zande. Pauline was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; parents, John & Mary; daughter-in-law, Joyce Accoe; and brother, John (Agnes) Monhaut.