Pauline Janette Shaffer Hornsten

Pauline Janette Shaffer Hornsten, age 89, went to be with the Lord on August 29, 2025. A devoted mother, grandmother, and friend, Pauline lived a life marked by family, faith, and service.

Pauline was born May 29, 1936, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to Fred and Ellen Shaffer. She was the youngest of 12 children. Pauline grew up in a large and hardworking family. When her father passed away while she was still young, her mother became her most treasured role model. Pauline said her mother gave her a solid foundation, and it became the cornerstone of how she raised her own children. Pauline learned the values of faith, resilience, and generosity at an early age. She carried these lessons throughout her life.

Pauline moved to Jamestown, New York, and spent her childhood enjoying picnics and swimming in Lake Chautauqua in the summer. In the winter, Pauline enjoyed ice skating and dreamed of being a professional ice skater when she was young. Pauline´s high school yearbook described her as “lovely to look at and always smiling,” a reflection not only of her beauty but also of the grace and kindness she radiated throughout her life. Pauline lived in Jamestown until she married the love of her life, Lawrence Hornsten, in 1959. They shared nearly 38 years of marriage before Larry´s passing in 1996. Pauline said her happiest day was her wedding day. She and Larry celebrated their wedding with family and friends in a simple and beautiful church ceremony.

Pauline and Larry built a beautiful life and raised four children together. Pauline felt being a parent was a tremendous joy, and she prayed for her children daily. She was a deeply devoted and selfless mother. Pauline enjoyed cooking for her family and instilled that love in each of her children. After raising her family, Pauline attended the University of Texas at El Paso to pursue a career as a real estate agent. Pauline cherished home and family, and she enjoyed helping families find a place to build their own memories. Pauline succeeded in real estate with the same dedication and warmth that marked every part of her life. Pauline’s happiest moments were those spent with her family, and her greatest pride was her children and grandchildren. Pauline has 10 grandchildren, and she was very involved in each of their lives.

Music and Service were central to Pauline’s life. Pauline began singing in her high school choir and continued throughout the years, later becoming a cherished member of the Master’s Singers at First Baptist Arlington. Alongside her love of music, Pauline devoted herself to serving others. She was an active member of the Altar Guild at St. Francis on the Hill Episcopal Church in El Paso, Texas. Through Pauline’s dedication and vision, she strengthened and grew the El Paso Symphony Orchestra Guild, which remains the longest continuously running symphony in Texas. Pauline continued to make an impact on the community after moving to Arlington, Texas, in 1997. Pauline promptly immersed herself in her new city, quickly becoming involved in her local PEO Chapter, The Arlington Women’s Club, and volunteering weekly at Arlington Memorial Hospital. Pauline served faithfully in every organization, taking on numerous leadership positions, including Past President. Texas Health recently recognized Pauline for her 25 years of service as a volunteer. Her steady guidance and commitment left a legacy that endures in the communities she loved.

Pauline had a passion for travel and was grateful for the opportunity to visit countries around the world. Pauline recently expressed how fortunate she felt to have been everywhere she wished to see. An accomplished Bridge player, she enjoyed all games, including Duplicate. Pauline spent many hours laughing and playing games with her children and grandchildren around the kitchen table. Pauline was fortunate to meet Don Thomas, with whom she had a loving and joyful relationship for the past five years. Her warmth and sense of humor drew people to her, and she kept herself surrounded by family and friends.

Pauline is survived by her loving companion, Don Thomas, and daughters Karen Brown and her husband Mark of Arlington, Texas; Lisa Boyd and her husband Rob of Sun City, Arizona; Linda Carbonari and her husband John of Colleyville, Texas, and son Eric Hornsten and his wife Amy of Del Mar, California. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kristen Brown, Megan Bond, and her husband, Kevin; Stephen Boyd and his wife, Hannah; Michael Boyd; Jack Carbonari; Grace Carbonari; Matthew Carbonari; Luke Hornsten; Peter Hornsten; and Seth Hornsten.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First Baptist Church Arlington on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 10:00 am.

To honor Pauline’s legacy, memorial contributions may be made to the Arlington Memorial Auxiliary Scholarship Fund. Pauline served on the scholarship committee for many years, and it brought her great joy to know young students would have assistance in pursuing their dreams.

Volunteer Auxiliary
Arlington Memorial Hospital
800 W. Randol Mill Rd. Arlington, Texas 76012

Kindly write in the notes line In memory of Pauline Hornsten