Pauline Cope’s involvement with Aultman Hospital stretches back nearly 40 years. When she first started donating her time and talents to Aultman in the 1980s, her children were in school, and she volunteered in the blood lab when she wasn’t working at her part-time job.

Pauline stepped away from volunteering in 1990 for a full-time position elsewhere, but she returned in 2003. With her kids grown up and a more flexible schedule, she was thrilled to be back at Aultman. She has served in several roles, including introducing patients to the Aultman Generations program and handling administrative tasks for the same-day surgery team.

“I like to be around people,” Pauline says. “I especially like being at the hospital. I would have loved to have had a career here.”

From the time she was in high school, Pauline’s main hobby has been sewing and crocheting. For many years, she made her own dresses. As her family grew, she sewed outfits for her children. And she has always been available for anyone who needs wardrobe help, lending a hand on projects ranging from designing pantsuits to hemming bridesmaid dresses to creating cheerleading uniforms for Sandy Valley Schools.

Pauline fondly remembers the costumes she designed for a local country band – including a white jumpsuit with green fringe for the band’s lead singer. “She always said that the jumpsuit made all the difference when she was named Ohio’s Queen of Country Music,” Pauline jokes.

Today, Pauline hems scrubs for Aultman colleagues. She also crochets warm scarves for a ministry at her church that helps homeless people.

Pauline is an avid Elvis fan, with an extensive memorabilia collection and fond memories of her two trips to Graceland.

Pauline and her husband Al have been married for 58 years. They have four adult children and six grandchildren, ranging in age from 9 to 26. Pauline loves spending time with her young grandkids, attending their activities, driving them to and from school and going to special church programs with them.

For Pauline, the best part of volunteering is being with others. “I look forward to seeing the team every Wednesday,” she said. “I like being busy and helping them out.”

Visit Volunteering at Aultman for more information on how to become an essential part of the Aultman team as a volunteer.