Pauline Dolce moved to California with her husband Frank, and their sons, Pat and Frank, in 1946. The Dolce family made Culver City their home in 1947.
Dolce began her employment with the city of Culver City in 1966 and was elected city clerk in 1978, a position she served in for 16 years. She was the last full-time elected city clerk when she retired in 1994. Her professional memberships included International Municipal City Clerks Association and the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, for continuing education. Pauline originally organized the annual Mayor’s Luncheons in Culver City as an “in house” project.
Dolce’s community involvement was legendary. She was active in the Culver City Education Foundation, Culver City Rotary Plaza Board of Directors, Friends of the Culver City Youth Health Center, served as a board member and member of the Golden Circle of the Culver-Palms YMCA, Didi Hirsch Community Mental Health Center executive board, and past president of the Soroptimist International of Culver City. She served as a charter member and founder of the Culver City Guidance Clinic Guild (and served as president 1962-63 and 1993-94), Culver City Historical Society board, past president of the Y’s Menettes and Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Women’s Division of the Culver City Chamber of Commerce and Culver City Exchangettes. She was a member of Las Amigas, the Culver City Sister Committee, the Culver City Democratic Club and Catholic Daughters of America at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church. She enjoyed memberships in the Friends of Brotman, where she also served as chair of the Brotman Board of Trustees (1982-89). She was also an active member of the League of Women Voters.
Dolce participated in a great deal of community service. She was recognized for her contributions by the Rotary Foundation, (Paul Harris fellow, 1993), Culver City Lions Adult Citizen of the Year, 1986, Culver City Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year 1984, Soroptimist Woman of the Year, 1990-91, Didi Hirsch Community Mental Health Center, Culver City Youth Health Center, 1991, Independent Order of Forresters, Ambassador of Good Will Award, and the City Employee of the Year Award, 1970.
Although she was an active local elected official, Dolce will probably be remembered more as a warm, kind person, who gave her time freely, intensely proud of her Italian heritage. To her, family meant everything. She is survived by her sons Pat and his wife, Dede; Frank and his wife, Karen; six grandchildren and their families.
Dolce died peacefully in her sleep Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011 at age 90.
A viewing will be held Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011 at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church at 9 a.m. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m., with burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City.