Pauline Crooks Van Deusen, 96, Teacher

Mrs. Van Deusen was born on September 5, 1910, in Lorain and was a lifelong resident. She graduated from Lorain High School with the Class of 1928B. She was one of the few living survivors of the infamous Tornado of 1924. She was a graduate of Baldwin Wallace College and Bowling Green State University.

She taught school in the Lorain City School system for 32 years, principally at Lincoln and Larkmoor Elementary Schools. She was a children's storyteller for the Lorain Public Library and the "Story Lady" on WEOL radio for several years.

Mrs. Van Deusen was a charter member and trustee of the Black River Historical Society, a member of the American Association of University Women, the Lorain College Club, Eastside Literary Club, past president of the Lakeland Woman's Club, Lorain County Retired Teachers and the former Lorain Business and Professional Women.

She was the oldest continuing member of the First Congregational Church in Lorain, where she had been a Sunday school teacher and choir member. In 1974 she was named Educator of the Year by the Lorain Jaycees and in 1994 nominated for Woman of the Year by the Lorain Branch of the American Association of University Women.

Her hobbies included traveling, photography and collecting antiques.

Mrs. Van Deusen is survived by a son David Crooks of Honolulu, HI, daughter Mary Jane Febonio of Rockport, Mass, a stepson Roger Van Deusen of Gates Mills, OH, a stepdaughter Jane Lanigan of Columbus, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her first husband Irving Crooks in 1994, second husband Richard Van Deusen in 2000, her parents Paul and Nora (nee Lord) Muller, brother Paul and sister Dorthea.

Friends may call on Thursday, April 12, 2007, from 4-7 PM at the Schwartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home For Funerals, 1124 W. 5th Street, Lorain, Ohio 44052. Funeral services will be on Friday, April 13, 2007, at 11:00 AM in the funeral home with Rev. Carl Richter, senior pastor of the First Congregational Church, officiating.

Burial will be in Ridge Hill Memorial Park Cemetery.

Online condolences at http://www.boyer-cool.com.