Pauline H. Vail

Pauline H. Vail, 88, of Sayville, New York passed away peacefully at home on February 28, 2026 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Dementia. Pauline was born and raised in Souderton, PA in a Christian Mennonite home. Pauline and her twin brother Paul were the youngest of seven children.

Pauline was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She spent many hours preparing family dinner for the entire family and guests. Her most favorite hobby was her flower beds around the house and her organic vegetable garden. Pauline was a long time member of New Life Community Church and spent many hours volunteering at Vacation Bible School, preparing evening meals, and decorating the sanctuary for the holidays.

Pauline was a graduate of Stony Brook University and was employed as a caseworker for 20+ years for the Suffolk County Department of Social Services. She served in the Child Protective Service, Foster Care and Adult Protective Service and retired in December 1999 as a Foster Care Unit Supervisor.

For many years, she enjoyed a getaway home in the Poconos, PA as a respite from her stressful casework job. She also enjoyed many travels with friends and her church.
Pauline is survived by her husband of 38 years George Vail and sons Kent Detwiler (Liz), Patrick Detwiler (Tonja), daughter Tami Detwiler, stepdaughter Tracey Vail (David Hopper) and stepson Greg Vail ((Denise), plus 10 grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Pauline was predeceased by sons Dana Detwiler and Thomas Detwiler.

A celebration of Pauline‘s life will be held on Wednesday March 4, 2026 from 5:00 to 9:00PM with chapel service at 7:00PM at Raynor and D’Andrea Funeral Home, 245 Montauk Highway, West Sayville, NY.