Rev. Pauline Simmone Landers

Reverend Pauline Simmone Landers, of South Amboy, NJ beloved mother and a pillar of strength to her family, passed away on September 24, 2026, at the age of 87.

Born on March 29, 1939, in Silver City, Canal Zone, toTelfield and Edna Landers, Pauline was one of twelve children. From her beginnings in Panama, her life would become one marked by courage, perseverance, faith, independence, and a steadfast devotion to family.

Among the qualities most admired in Pauline was her remarkable strength. As a young mother, she made the consequential decision to leave the Canal Zone and move to the United States with her baby in tow, facing the uncertainties of beginning life in a new country. The courage required to take that step reflected the determination and strength that would characterize her throughout her life.

After arriving in the United States, Pauline secured a position with the United Nations, where she worked as a data entry supervisor. She built a career with the organization and ultimately retired from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Pauline was determined to create opportunities for her daughter, Yvette, to thrive. She enrolled Yvette in the United Nations International School, where she received an education enriched by exposure to different cultures while gaining the knowledge and lessons that would prepare her for adulthood. This was one of the many ways Pauline expressed her love through thoughtful choices, sacrifice, and commitment to her daughter’s future.

Pauline valued education not only for her daughter, but also for herself. Her desire to continue learning led her back to school after Yvette graduated. While continuing to work, Pauline attended classes part time after work and earned her bachelor’s degree. Her commitment to education reflected a lifelong belief in growth and the pursuit of knowledge.

Pauline also possessed an independent and adventurous spirit. In her younger years, she enjoyed traveling and was comfortable traveling throughout the United States and internationally on her own. Though reserved by nature, she had a way of connecting with people wherever her travels took her. She could embark on a trip alone and make new friends along the way and abroad.

At the center of Pauline’s life was a deep and abiding faith. For a time, she served her communities in ministry, first at Allen A.M.E. Church in Queens, New York, and later at North Stelton A.M.E. Church in Piscataway, New Jersey. Her ministry was an extension of a faith that was deeply woven into her family’s life.

Pauline was often the one called upon to lead the family in prayer. At holiday gatherings, hers was the familiar voice blessing the food before loved ones shared a meal. When a family member or friend was ill, she could be found at the bedside, offering prayer, faith, and her quiet presence when they were needed most. Through her example, she inspired others to embrace and follow a faithful path of their own.

Alongside Pauline’s quiet strength was the warmth of a bright and memorable smile. Her pronounced dimples earned her the affectionate nickname “Dimples” during her school years, a name that captured something joyful and distinctive about her.

Pauline is survived by her daughter, Yvette; her sisters, Winnifred, Veronica, and Charlotte; her brother, Edwin; and countless nieces and nephews.

Pauline’s was a life of quiet but unmistakable strength. She had the courage to leave the place she knew and begin anew, the determination to build a life in which her daughter could flourish, the curiosity to travel the world and make friends along the way, the discipline to pursue her own education while working, and the faith to counsel, comfort, and pray with and for those around her.

She leaves behind a legacy of faith, courage, sacrifice, education, service, and love. Her prayers, her example, her adventurous spirit, her beautiful smile, and the life she worked so hard to build will live on in those who loved her.

She will be deeply missed.