Paulina Y. Aurispa

 “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course; I have kept the faith.” (2 Tim. 4:7) Paulina Y. Aurispa ran the race of life and on August 18, 2021 she went on to be with Her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Sharing the ministry of her husband, the Rev. Rafael Aurispa, and spreading the Word of God for over 75 years was always a labor of love. Paulina was born July 4, 1925 in La Plata, Argentina the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Juan and Tomasa Yacenko whose families had immigrated to America from the Ukraine. Paulina’s parents, two sisters, Anita Yacenko Katz and Mari Yacenko Crivos, and a brother, Miguel Yacenko, preceded her in death.

It was during her husband Rafael’s first pastorate that in 1943, they met and married in Berisso, Argentina. Always expressing her love for her companion, she consistently ministered to others next to his side. She was a committed and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Together they pioneered and served churches in the cities of Mendoza and Chivilcoy, Argentina. Paulina filled her role as a pastor’s wife with grace, charm, wit and dignity, while always giving her family priority.

On July 17, 1959, together with her husband, Rafael, and their two children, Graciela and Eduardo (aka Eddie), they arrived in Laredo, Texas. Rafael and Paulina served Primera Iglesia Bautista of Laredo until 1976. Throughout their ministry, they began several “missions” in the Laredo area and were known to travel to conduct church services in Midland, Oilton, Encinal and other communities throughout South Texas and in the interior of Mexico. In addition, they also served Segunda Iglesia Bautista of Laredo.

Paulina was a Bible teacher and counselor per excellence; she had a special love for music while playing the piano for church special events and worship services; she frequently accompanied her husband on preaching engagements. Upon her husband’s retirement, she was responsible for many years in administering the “food ministry” sponsored by First United Methodist Church Laredo reaching people from both Laredos. As a hospital chaplain, she enjoyed serving and reaching out to patients and personnel at Laredo’s Doctor’s Hospital.

She took great joy in cooking for her family and friends, and had great pride in making sure her home was always open to all. She was a great homemaker and delighted herself in supporting her husband and rearing their children. Her legacy is written in the accomplishments of her family. For almost 10 years, Paulina lived a very full life as the caregiver for her husband after he developed Alzheimer’s. Her selfless and determined spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the joy of knowing her. She possessed a contagious Godly spirit and did her best to be like Jesus. For over 23 years prior to her passing, her joy was made complete as she held weekly Bible study and prayer sessions every Thursday at her home for women from various denominations and walks of life.

She is survived by her children, Graciela (Don) Grant of Morehead, Kentucky and Eddie (Cheryl) Aurispa of Austin, Texas; her grandchildren, Pauline (Chris) Chapman of Woodbridge, Virginia; Matthew (Annalisa) Grant of Richmond, Virginia; Carlos (Cami) Aurispa of Saginaw, Texas; and Benjamin Aurispa of College Station, Texas; her greatgrandchildren Grant and Avery Chapman, and Arianna and Aliyah Aurispa. She was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. Rafael Aurispa in 2009 and her granddaughter Kristina Aurispa Hedges in 2017. Also, surviving her are numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and other relatives, in South America, principally in Argentina

The family will be receiving guests on Saturday, August 28, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A private farewell for the immediate family will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Grant, Carlos Aurispa, Benjamin Aurispa, Hector Piña, Raul Basurto, and Juan Garza.

Interment will follow to the City of Laredo Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, people are encouraged to donate to Volunteers Serving the Need of Veterans and their surviving spouses by visiting http://www.vstn.org/contribute-to-the-cause/

Due to the COVID pandemic and everyone’s safety, the number of visitors will be limited. Please continue to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and honor the family from a distance. You may express your condolences to the family on our website at www.hillsidefuneral.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Hillside Funeral Home, 310 Hillside Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041.