Pauline Teresa Aden, of North Platte, passed away on March 23, 2024, at Great Plains Health, in the company of her devoted children, at the age of 83. The oldest of five, she was born on July 15, 1940 to Patrick and Lorena (Smith) Leech, Sr. in Maxwell, NE.
Pauline attended school at St. Patrick’s Catholic School, graduating in 1958. She is remembered as always being polished and poised - and in her younger years, traveling in high heels with a hat box in hand. Upon graduating from high school, she went on to attend Barnes Business College in Denver where she received an Associate’s degree in Business. She coupled her degree with meticulous attention to detail in her work as a stenographer, notary public, bookkeeper, and office manager for various businesses in North Platte and Kansas City, including Cohagen Transfer, Schad Wilkinson, and Threshold Realty among others.
In March of 1961, Pauline married Gary Bargell and the couple was blessed with three children: Jon, Dana, and Jennifer. The young family lived in various towns across Kansas and Nebraska before landing in North Platte. After the couple parted ways, Pauline moved to Kansas City in 1985 where she advanced in her career. In 2005 after being away for twenty years, fate brought Pauline and Ron Aden together and she moved back to North Platte where the couple married on September 3, 2005, at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church. Upon entering into this union, she lovingly welcomed four new stepchildren along with several grandchildren.
Pauline was the proud holder of several titles including, “Tupperware queen” and “word puzzler deluxe”. As the titles imply, she owned every piece of Tupperware invented and loved doing all sorts of puzzles in her spare time. Pauline also enjoyed a good sporting event, especially when the Huskers were involved. She lovingly was the family “master card-sender” and “glitter glue” who kept up with family and friends sending personalized cards she printed to make sure all felt her love and caring. Her recipes were a big part of her life; she was known for her famous wedding mint recipe and volunteered to make them for countless weddings through the years. A woman strong in her Faith, she was a member of the Messiah Lutheran Church in North Platte for many years. Pauline always welcomed friends and family into her home, to share memories and laughter over a cup of coffee or tea. Perhaps her most treasured hobby was spending time with and supporting her grandkids, making memories, and watching them grow. Red Grandma will be sorely missed.
Those that remain to carry on Pauline’s legacy include her children, Jon Bargell of North Platte, Dana (Cindy) Bargell of Dillon, CO and Blanco, TX, and Jennifer (Randy) Porter of Centennial, CO; grandchildren, Cassidy Lane Bargell of Boston, MA, Delani Kate Bargell of Barcelona, Spain, Hannah Jo (Chris) Medved of Sheridan, WY, Hayden Young (Kelsey) Porter of Kiowa, CO, Maddison Claire (Brandon) Wells of Mesa, AZ; Nolan Bargell Porter of Austin, TX, Sadie Rose Porter of Centennial, CO; stepchildren, Renea (Tim) Rush of Grand Island, and Todd (Kim) Aden of North Platte; 10 step grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; brother, Patrick Louis (Janice) Leech, Jr. of Midland, TX; sisters, Jayne Weber of Chicago, IL, Ann (Todd) Bissell of North Platte and Brule, NE, Nancy (John) Greenwood of Kansas City, KS; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death are her parents; husband, Ron Aden; former husband, Gary Bargell; and step children, Tracey (Aden) Gallagher and Patrick Aden.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation – Cody Park Fund, https://midncf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1272 or the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of New England, New England Chapter | Crohn's & Colitis Foundation (crohnscolitisfoundation.org). Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
A community remembrance gathering will take place on Saturday, March 30, 2024, from 2 PM to 6 PM with family present from 4 PM to 6 PM at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home. Pastor Anne Durboraw will be present for the final 15 minutes to place a blessing over the family and friends of Pauline. A celebration of life will be held at a future date. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.