Pauline J. Philipson

ALBANY, NY - Pauline “Polly” Janet Philipson (nee Hunt), born July 24, 1947, in Albany, NY, went home to be with the Lord on October 8, 2025. Pauline’s life was a reflection of love, compassion, and an unwavering faith in God. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit and generous heart.

After earning her GED, Pauline completed certification in office skills at the Urban Center in Troy, NY. She later attended Maria College in Albany, NY, where she studied Occupational Therapy and discovered a calling to work with individuals with disabilities. A devoted student of the bible, Pauline was passionate about sharing her faith. She taught Sunday School for many years, finding great joy in helping others grow in their understanding of scripture. A longtime member of Seed of Abraham , Pauline cherished her faith community and considered them family.

Pauline was preceded in death by her parents, Paul Jones Hunt and Alberta Margaret (Murch) Hunt; her maternal grandparents, Albert and Bernice (Streeter) Murch; her paternal grandparents, Charles Alonzo Hunt and Vinnie Louise Jones; and her son, Paul Thomas Heitzman.

Pauline was married for 18 years to the late Thomas Nelson Heitzman, with whom she shared five children: Kenneth Nelson Heitzman, Karen Heitzman-Boehlke (Keith), the late Paul Thomas Heitzman (Danielle Oliver), Rachel Elise Fountain (Francis), and Ruth Marie Heitzman. On October 8, 1994, after sharing 9 years of friendship, Pauline married Howard Martin Philipson, with whom she shared 31 years of marriage. She had the honor of being stepmother to David Eric Philipson (Elaine), Dr. Jessica Fine, and Jodi Philipson Stone (Andrew)

She is survived by nine grandchildren: Shayne Jacob Boehlke, Devin James Boehlke, Elizabeth Ann Heitzman, Andrew Michael Heitzman, Theodore Hunter Heitzman, Zander Xavier Fountain, Rebekah Elise Fountain, Samantha Marie Heitzman, and Soren Lee Heitzman; She is also survived by four step-grandchildren: Juliana (Philipson) Ptak (John), Victoria (Philipson) Snyder, R. Satcher Stone, and Gabriel C. Stone; and one step great-grandson, Owen David Snyder.

Pauline is also lovingly remembered by her brother Floyd Gilbert Hunt (Nancy); her niece, Kathryn Margaret Maggiacomo (Karl); and Floyd’s sons, Dominick Charles Hunt (Christina) and Anthony Alonzo Hunt.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 10am at Memory Gardens Cemetery and Memorial Park, 983 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Albany, NY 12205. Rabbi Steve Feldman will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105