Paolina Reed Franklin

Paolina Reed Franklin, 86, of Destin, FL, passed away peacefully January 1st with family by her side. She was born April 3rd, 1934 to Blanche Hill and Antonio Paolo Galante in Guisborough, Yorkshire, England.

Paolina grew up in England during WWII which profoundly impacted her outlook on life. Following her education, while working at Brize Norton Royal Air Force Base, she met 1st Lt Jack Aubrey Poore who was deployed to Brize Norton and they became engaged.  She moved to the States in 1958 where they married. She and family moved to Destin in 1974 following Jack’s retirement from the Air Force.

Professionally, Paolina was a certificated Interior Designer and owned Resort Interiors of Destin. She retired in 2016 after working for 32 years at  Sugar Beach Interiors.

Paolina’s greatest joys were volunteering at Immanuel Anglican Church in Destin, socializing with her vast group of friends and acquaintances at her favorite local restaurants accompanied by her very close friend Bob Weiland, and her cats.

Paolina is survived by her three children: Gary (Gina) Poore, with two grandchildren (Madeleine and Luke), of Woodstock, GA,; David Poore, of Mammoth Lakes, CA, and Tracy (Nick) Mills, with two grandchildren (Owen and Hayden), of Valparaiso, FL.  She is survived also by several nephews in England. She is preceded in death by three sisters and two brothers.

Mom made the world a better place for us and all who knew her.  She loved unconditionally, always encouraged us, and taught us we are responsible for our decisions and actions and held us to very high standards in both.  She was always there when we needed her and was supportive no matter our mistakes.  She lived versus existed.  She lit up the room with her glowing presence and positive, funny, feisty, vibrant and independent personality.  She experienced life on her terms and left us with dignity and class.  She lived up to her reputation as “the Queen.”

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at Immanuel Anglican Church in Destin, Florida followed by a reception.  In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Emerald Coast Hospice or the building fund at Immanuel Anglican Church of Destin. 

Expressions of love and sympathy may be placed and viewed online at www.mclaughlinmortuary.com

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