PAULINE SHASHATY MALOOF's Obituary
Pauline Shashaty Maloof, of Pembroke Pines, Florida, was welcomed into heaven on April 2, 2026.
Pauline was born in Paterson, New Jersey to Syrian parents and moved with her family to Miami in 1946.
She attended Miami Jackson High School, where she excelled in Speech and Debate. In her senior year, Pauline achieved the distinction of being elected Governor of Girls State, the American Legion’s statewide government and political leadership program. Competing against some of the most talented and ambitious young women from across Florida, Pauline rose to the top. Her victory was a remarkable accomplishment, and was made even more memorable by the fact that her debate partner was future Florida governor and United States Senator Bob Graham.
After graduation, Pauline married Albert Maloof and together they built a family. She poured herself wholeheartedly into her three children, Tom, Al Jr., and Michelle. As a devoted mother, Pauline cheered them on through what felt like endless baseball, football, and soccer games. She filled their home with love, care, and of course, amazing food.
As her children grew, Pauline made the decision to return to school and continue her own education. Balancing the demands of family life while pursuing higher education, Pauline met the challenge with the same quiet resolve that marked every chapter of her life. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degree, specializing in elementary education.
Pauline went on to devote more than forty years to education in the Miami-Dade and Broward County public school systems, teaching fifth and sixth grades and middle school, most often in inner-city schools. In addition to her compassion, patience, and high standards, her students benefited from her steady encouragement and belief in their potential. After retiring from the classroom, Pauline’s commitment to children continued as a private tutor, helping at-risk children who struggled in traditional school settings.
A woman of deep and abiding faith, Pauline was proud to be among the founding members of Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church in Miami. She spent decades supporting the church and its many activities, selflessly serving with humility, generosity, and love. During the church’s regular annual festival, Pauline could always be found in the kitchen alongside her mother, making kibbe, rolling stuffed grape leaves, or chopping parsley for tabbouleh. In recent years, she also attended and supported the Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Fort Lauderdale.
Pauline treasured family, but she also deeply valued friendship. If you were her friend, you were her friend for life. She nurtured enduring relationships through the years and remained an active supporter of the Syrian Lebanon American Club of Miami, the Salam Club of Miami, and of course the Red Hat Society.
Pauline was predeceased by her husband, Albert Maloof; her parents, George and Emily Shashaty; and her brothers Michael Shashaty and Raymond Shashaty.
She is survived by her children, Tom (Sharon), Al Jr. (Maria), and Michelle (Lena); her grandchildren, Albert Maloof Berdellans (Meg), Michael Maloof, Emily Maloof, Richard Maloof, and George Maloof; her brother, Lawrence Shashaty; her sister, Bernadette Abdelnour; and her sister-in-law, Yvonne Maloof Shashaty.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Van Orsdel Funeral Home, 4600 SW 8th Street, Coral Gables, Florida. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Our Lady of Lebanon Catholic Church, 2055 Coral Way, Miami, Florida 33145. Interment will immediately follow at Caballero Rivero Woodlawn Park South Cemetery, 11655 SW 117th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33186.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Our Lady of Lebanon Catholic Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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