Obituary of M. Pauline VanDerbeck

Pauline VanDerbeck, Age 94, of Binghamton went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, after a brief illness. Pauline was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years Harry VanDerbeck and her siblings; brothers Michael, Nicholas and Anthony Cordisco and sisters Judy Erecitano, Louise Keery, Santina Sedlak, Anna Ehrich and Minnie Leary. Pauline is survived by her sons, Keith VanDerbeck and Kevin (Phyllis) VanDerbeck, Blair, SC; 4 grandchildren, Lyndsay (Kiel) Sullivan, Joshua (Carrie) VanDerbeck, Hampton VA, Anna (Haz) Raheem and David (Leanna Poole) VanDerbeck; 7 great-grandchildren Kaylie, Kaliyah, Corey, Harith, McKenna, Logan and Tucker as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Pauline was born September 3, 1930, to Mary and Angelo Cordisco and grew up in Binghamton's 7th Ward. She attended North High School and began working at 16 at the Peanut Shop on Court St. Over the years Pauline established a strong work ethic that spanned ½ a century; often holding jobs in male dominate fields at General Electric and for the Department of Defense. During her career as a Flight Control Inspector, she took pride in working on flight systems for the Black Hawk helicopter, space shuttle and F111 Fighter Jet. A true believer that knowledge is power, Pauline always had a passion for education and enjoyed reading. She completed her associate degree at Broome Community College at the age of 45 and engaged in continuing education at BCC over the years. As the daughter of Italian Immigrants, she developed a passion for cooking authentic Italian cuisine for her family. She took pride in always having a meal or a "love lunch" on hand to feed anyone who came into her home. Her homemade meals often included her mother's homemade spaghetti sauce, handmade pasta, soups of every variety, lasagna and pizzelles, taking the time to teach her grandchildren the family recipes along the way. Throughout her life Pauline found comfort in her strong Catholic faith, took pride in her Italian heritage, and celebrated the accomplishments of her loved ones. She loved her family deeply, was an excellent conversationalist, loved to play bridge, repair antique clocks, and had an appreciation for fine art. The family would like to thank her caregiver of 4 ½ years Janet Bowen for her excellent care and companionship with Pauline over the years as well as the staff at Wilson CVICU and North Wing 4 for their compassionate care in her final days. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Patrick's Church, corner of Oak and Leroy Streets, Binghamton, Friday January 31, 2025 at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 5 to 7 p.m.