Pauline McKean

Pauline Bateman McKean, 97, of Fort Collins, died March 9, 2015. She was born in Loveland, Colorado, July 21, 1917, the third of five children of Grace and Andrew Bateman. She grew up in Loveland and graduated from Loveland High School in 1935. Pauline earned Bachelor of Science (1939) and Masters of Education (1949) degrees in Vocational Home Economics from Colorado A&M (Colorado State Univ). Over a 20 year period she taught Home Economics, Nutrition and Chemistry courses in several high schools, Nebraska State Teachers College (Chadron, NE), and Mesa College (Grand Junction). Her unusual experiences as a young teacher in the Great Depression and World War II were the source of endless stories. During and after her teaching career, Pauline’s greatest professional interest was vocational education and she was very active in the Colorado Vocational Association (CVA). She served as its Executive Director for 15 years and published its News Letter for 25 years. She also served 6 years as a member of the Colorado Governing Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education. She received Outstanding Service Awards from both the American and Colorado Vocational Associations. She was a member of the CVA Hall of Fame. In 1980 she received the Honor Alumna Award from Colorado State University for Outstanding Professional Achievement. Pauline married Bill McKean and his four children on July 25, 1959. Throughout their 48-year marriage they were committed members of the United Methodist Church, first in Meeker and then Fort Collins. Pauline was active in the First United Methodist Vashti Circle for many years in Fort Collins. With her death, her family has lost its matriarch, greatest character, story teller and historian. Pauline was preceded in death by her husband in 2008, two brothers, Andrew and Warren, and two sisters, Louise and Virginia. She is survived by sons Bill and his wife Carol, Marty and his wife Mary, Jim and his wife Lina, daughter Mary Ann Wright and her husband Wes, 6 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held March 31, 2015 at 10:30am, in the Chapel of the First United Methodist Church at 1005 Stover St., Fort Collins. A reception will be held at the church after the service. Donations in Pauline’s memory can be made to the Lucile Fee Scholarship Fund at Colorado State University or the First United Methodist Foundation, Fort Collins, CO.

Pauline McKean

July 21, 1917 - March 9, 2015