Coco May Pacholski

Hermon – Coco (Elsie) May Pacholski, 74, known as “Ma”, “Mom”, and “Auntie Coo Coo” died unexpectedly on March 9, 2022 in her home. She was born September 9, 1947, in Boston, Massachusetts, the youngest daughter of Herbert and Elsie Sauvé.

Coco grew up in Waltham, Massachusetts, where she graduated from Waltham High School. Following graduation, she enlisted in the United States Army where she served her country for 20 years as an LPN specializing in Labor and Delivery. While stationed in Heidelberg, Germany, she met her husband, Norman Pacholski, who was also serving on active duty. They were married January 9, 1971. Throughout her career she also served at Fort Sam, Fort Dix, Fort Gordon, Fort Bragg, Ludwigsburg, and Stuttgart. She finished her career at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

As a historic note, she was part of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) and was the first Active Duty Female Soldier to remain in service after giving birth to her daughter Jennifer in 1972 while stationed in Heidelberg, Germany. This helped to pave the way for other women in the armed forces to have both a family and a military career.

After Retirement, Coco started the Lollipop Daycare at her home in Searsport and then moved to Herman where she helped care for over 25 local children during a 15-year span.

Coco had many interests throughout her life including bowling in her younger years, and being active in the communities where she lived including the Lions Club. Coco was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, and the Maine Troop greeters. But mostly, she really enjoyed time with her growing family.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers, Herbert and Ray; her husband, Norman Sr.; her daughter Brookie; and her mother and father-in-law, Mary and Frank.

Coco is survived by her sisters, Melody and Bonnie; her daughter, Jennifer; son, Norman Jr.; grandchildren, Forrest, Max, Skylor, Isaiah, Oceana, Taylor, Madeline, Samantha, and Mo; great-grandchildren, Jazzlynn, River, Dyanna, Maylea, and Galaxy. Coco had many nieces and nephews with whom she created memories with.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 5-7:00 p.m. Friday, March 18, 2022 at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, March 19, 2022 at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 768 Ohio Street, Bangor. Military honors will be held immediately following the Mass. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments in the Parish Hall following the honors. Those wishing to remember Coco in a special way may make gifts in her memory to the Hermon Volunteer Rescue and First Aid Squad, P.O Box 369 Bangor, Maine 04402.

Condolences may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.