To Make Life a Little Better

With a smile and a shrug, Pauline Osmer describes herself as “just a little Polish girl from the lower east side.” Following a rewarding career and life of service, that little girl’s big heart led her to support those in need through an endowment at the Catholic Foundation. 

Following graduation from East High School and training through both Hamot Medical Center and Gannon College, Pauline began working in health care. Her interest in cancer care led her to earn a certification in radiology. For decades, she touched the lives of countless cancer patients and their families as she worked at the right hand of radiation oncologist, Dr. Peter Scibetta -- first at Hamot, then at the Regional Cancer Center. Over the years Pauline built close relationships with patients and accompanied families on a journey none wanted to take. Patience, compassion, boundless energy and a sense of humor were her hallmarks along the way.

In retirement Pauline continues her loving care for others in new places, serving people in need at the St. Patrick Parish food pantry and Emmaus Soup Kitchen. She has a gift of drawing people into conversation with an open heart. Her interpersonal hallmarks are still in full gear as she listens and learns of life circumstances that burden others. And she brings them comfort as best she can.

“I was fortunate in my life,” she says.  As she was thinking through her financial planning and considered making lasting gifts, she knew she wanted to touch the people “who need an opportunity to get their life going.” Pauline chose Catholic Charities as beneficiary of her endowment. She was attracted by the work and mission of Catholic Charities, by the scope of services offered and by the diversity of the Catholic Charities network of agencies.

Naming the endowment for herself and her late husband brings a smile to Pauline’s face. “My Bob was good with money. He made sure we did things right and that I would be okay should anything happen to him,” she says, noting that his good planning has enabled her generosity. 

Thinking back on her decision to establish the endowment Pauline describes, “I’m so glad I can be a small part of helping others. When I left our meeting after signing the agreement I just felt so good, so happy. God gave me a good life. I want to help give someone a chance to make their life a little better.”