Pauline Hourdas

Pauline "Yiayia" Hourdas (née Cone), age 86, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025, at Gulfside Hospice in Zephyrhills, Florida. She was surrounded by family.

Born on April 3, 1939, in Keighley, West Yorkshire, England, Pauline was raised in a tight knit family by her mother, Rose, and by aunts and uncles that cared for her. Her father, William, was killed in action in World Word II. She began her life’s journey across the Atlantic when she came to the United States in the late 1960s as a nanny. It was during this chapter of her life that she met and married the love of her life, Nick. Together they built a home and a legacy in Tarpon Springs, Florida, where they raised their family and grew their careers – hers in healthcare administration. In later years, Pauline and Nick retired to Bell, Florida, embracing a quieter pace while remaining deeply connected to their growing family. In her last ten years of life, Pauline lived with her daughter, Rose, in a home that was quiet, peaceful and full of support and care.

Pauline was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Nick, and her granddaughter Courtney. Her memory lives on through the many lives she touched and nurtured.

She is survived by her beloved children Rose and Cassandra; nine cherished grandchildren: Nicholas (Cassie), Mallorie (Nathan), Alexandria (Joseph), Michael (Rachel), Mikaela (Johanna), Carissa (Alex), Chelsea, Ian and Holli; ten adored great-grandchildren: Christi (Diego), Cailin, Jake, Harry, Lucas, Jack, Archer, August, John and soon-to-arrive Nicholas; and two treasured great-great-grandchildren: Naomi and Noah.

Pauline’s heart knew no bounds—she extended her love beyond traditional family lines. She embraced a host of foster and bonus children as her own with unwavering affection and care. Among them are Crystal, Rachael, Erin, Jamie and Daisy. Her best friend Kathleen remained a constant presence in her life. Additionally, countless nieces and nephews were part of the vibrant tapestry of Pauline’s extended family.

A proud mother not only to her biological children but also to those she welcomed into her heart and home over the years, Pauline found her greatest joy in being “Yiayia” to generations of grandchildren. Her pride in each grandchild’s accomplishments was matched only by the warmth she radiated whenever surrounded by them.

Pauline had a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures - traveling to new places, immersing herself in books, listening to the soulful music of Hauser the cellist, enjoying quiet moments with beloved pets, savoring a good cup of coffee; but above all else - loving her family fiercely and unconditionally.

Pauline’s life was full of connections that shaped and taught those around her. She was complex and deeply human – a matriarch whose embrace extended far beyond bloodlines. The lessons she shared – through both her strengths and her challenges, leave a legacy that will continue to ripple through generations.

May Pauline's memory be eternal and bring comfort to all who knew her and may she continue to inspire kindness for generations to come.

A memorial service will take place in the near future.

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