St. George, Utah - Pauline Cerhitova Machnicki, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away on 30 November 2018. Pauline was born 2 January 1924, in Stare, Slovakia to Susan Cerhitova and Andrew Hromulak.  She had a wonderful childhood surrounded by her extended family and she spoke often of her experiences growing up in the country, working the land and providing for themselves.  In January, 1958 she immigrated to the United States to Brooklyn, NY.  Soon after her arrival in the US she met the love of her life, Michael Machnicki at a dance at the Polish Social Hall in Greenpoint, NY. They were married on November 24, 1959 in NYC.  Together they started life in their new country, where from nothing they built a future through hard work, discipline and hope in a country that provides opportunity to those who will put in the effort. Pauline proudly became a US citizen in 1987. Pauline and Mike instilled in their children the same love of country.  After a few years of working together, they were able to move their young family to Port Jefferson Station, NY on Long Island.   Pauline took pride in her home. She was a master gardener, and enjoyed baking and preparing ethnic foods for her family. Her tables of Babka, nut roll, galumpki and Pierogies were legendary.  She loved to watch people eat the food she made, and she loved to tell everyone to eat, eat, eat. Pauline was also a Rummy 500 card shark.

Pauline and Mike retired to Mesa, Arizona and they loved being close to family and the amazing warm weather. She had a huge heart and a special place for children and animals.  She loved to save old slices of bread to feed the birds. She would sing to them and they would flock to her yard to enjoy the bounty she set before them.  She loved to sit and watch them eat.  Every dog loved her and she often shared treats with them.

Although small in stature, Pauline was a giant of a woman.  She never complained. She just pressed forward through adversity and pain.  Pauline was a woman of great faith and devotion.  She loved her Catholic faith and set an example to all around her of faithful devotion to her God and Savior.  Although her family here misses her tremendously, we know there's a party going on, on the other side.   Pauline is survived by her children; Mary Machnicki (Scott James) of Greenwich, CT, Irene Evans (Mark) of Washington, UT, Michael Machnicki (Kara) of Scottsdale, AZ, Jean Sperke (Joe) of Gilbert, AZ and her 8 grandchildren and one great grandson.

Pauline was preceded in death by her parents Andrew Hromulak and Susan Cerhitova, and her husband Michael Machnicki.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the St George Catholic Church located at 259 West 200 North.

We wish to thank all the dedicated caregivers who have helped Pauline in the last few years- especially those of Gentle Touch care and Intermountain Hospice and Homecare.