Springfield - Pauline M. (Wilcox) Arnum-Norwood passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at Mercy Medical Center in Springfield, MA. She was the daughter of the late George Wilcox, Sr and Geraldine (Johnson) Wilcox Griffin, along with, her late step-father, Andrew Griffin, Sr. She was also the wife of the late Adolph M. Norwood.
Pauline's last job title was a Home Health Aide/Homemaker in her home. She rented an apartment that provided transitional services to those challenged with HIV/AIDS, the homeless, Elder Care, drug and alcohol addicts and people battling mental health issues. She was a passionate Advocate for change in the healthcare industry. Her healthcare experience and knowledge motivated her to start her non-profit organization, as President and Founder, Ger-Don Operations, Inc., in honor of her two children, Geraldine and Donald. Ger-Don advocated for HIV Aids victims. Ger-Don also did stage plays based on "Word Performances". Pauline prepared but didn't get to see a second "Word Performance". She served on the Springfield, MA Public Health Council, Northern Educational Services, Inc in the HIV Aids program receiving an "Excellence For Community Service" award, Western Mass Woman and Aids Work Group, on the Public Affairs Committee, campaigned as a candidate for New Bedford School Committee and reached all the way to Canada, being invited to submit written articles about Ger-Don Operations community activities to Canadian AIDS News, a Canadian Public Heath Association, and where the primary readership was.
Pauline leaves behind her 11 children: Paulette (Arnum) Majette, Paul G. Arnum, Joan Arnum, Milton A. Arnum, Melvin A. Arnum, Laverne B. (Norwood) Burch, Cheryl J. Norwood and Nadine Norwood; Deceased: Jo-Ann Arnum, Geraldine Arnum and Donald Arnum; adopted two great-grandchildren: Robert and Jonathan and raised two grandchildren: Elsie and deceased: Stephanie; 15 brothers and sisters: Joan, Andrew, Karon, Richard, Jerald, Melba and Albert; Deceased: Joyce, George, Thelma, Ervin, David, Billy, Robert, Germaine: 28 grandchildren, 59 great-grandchildren, 29 great-great-grandchildren
Pauline's visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, July 1st from 2-4 P.M. and per the families wishes, visiting hours will conclude promptly at 4PM.
All attendees for visiting hours are required by current mandated restrictions to wear a face covering and to practice social distancing of 6 feet.
Please note that attendance will be limited in order to meet the mandated capacity restrictions, those attending are asked to please pay their respects in a timely manner in order for us to make the appropriate room for the next group of attendees entering the building. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this time, as we navigate through all of the state and city mandated restrictions.