Pauline Wang Hendel, 98, of Naples, Florida, and Kansas City, died peacefully on March 24.
She was born in Chicago, Illinois to Sarah and Philip Wang and moved to Kansas City at a young age. Because she was born on Dec. 31, Pauline thought that the entire world celebrated each birthday with her. Her father was the founder of Alaskan Fur Company.
After graduating from Southwest High School, Pauline attended the University of Illinois where she met her first husband, Lenny Markel. In 1944, she was selected Bombardier Queen. She returned to Kansas City and raised her family there.
Pauline finished her undergraduate studies at UMKC with a degree in sociology and went on to obtain a master’s degree in gerontology. She pioneered a key position coordinating the referral of clients from General Hospital and other health facilities to various social service institutions in Kansas City. She later worked at Jewish Family and Children Service. Pauline was also an active member of Congregation Beth Shalom, where she served as president of the Sisterhood.
Known for her zest for life, beauty, intelligence and theatrical talent, Pauline appeared in several musical productions at the Jewish Community Center. She was also an active tennis and bridge player.
Pauline was married to her second husband, Murray Hendel, for 47 years. They moved from Kansas City to Edina, Minnesota, and then to Naples, Florida, where they lived for more than 30 years. They loved to travel the world.
Wherever she lived, Pauline was known for her outgoing personality and had an abundance of friends. In Naples, she taught English to Spanish-speaking adults, and she was the founder of the Naples chapter of Brandeis University Women.
In addition to her parents, Pauline was predeceased by her husband Murray Hendel and her sisters, Edna Finkel and Frances Wang Gershon.
She is survived by her daughter, Michele Kaplan (Harvey) of Mission Hills, Kansas; her son, Jay Markel (Carey) of Boulder, Colorado; two granddaughters, Beth Liss (Michael) of Kansas City and Danna Kriser (Matt) of Highland Park, Illinois; five great-grandchildren, Ella, Jack and Alex Kriser of Highland Park, and Zachery and Drew Liss of Kansas City; brother, Myron Wang (Nicole) of Kansas City and Miami, Florida; and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank her caregivers at The Village at Mission and Monarch Hospice for taking such excellent care of her. The family requests no flowers and suggests contribution in Pauline’s memory to the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City or to a charity of your choice. A family service will be held at a later date.
