Pauline Pierce Graivier

Pauline Pierce Graivier, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, matriarch, entrepreneur, volunteer, and dear friend, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025, in the Dallas home she cherished for 61 years. Her legacy lives on through her devoted family and the many lives she touched, both professionally and personally, throughout her long and fulfilling life. Born in Dallas on October 23, 1934, Pauline began her studies at the University of Texas in Austin before transferring to Northwestern University where she earned a B.S. in Communications in 1955. It was at Northwestern that she met the love of her life Leonard Graivier. The two married in 1955 and enjoyed 57 wonderful years together. In 1963, after Len completed his medical training, the couple returned to Dallas where he began a distinguished career in pediatric surgery. Just a few years later, in 1966, Pauline co-founded Verbal Communications Inc. with her business partner and dear friend Gloria Hoffman. At a time when few women launched consulting firms, Pauline and Gloria were true pioneers as they coached executives, professionals, and business leaders on interpersonal communication and presentation skills. Their success was fueled not only by intelligence and instinct, but also by the strength of their partnership. As they liked to say, if either one said, "This is important to me," the other would respond, "Then I agree, let's do it your way." Together, they co-authored the book Speak the Language of Success which was translated into multiple languages. Pauline also co-wrote two long-running columns in The Dallas Morning News (Business Minds and Words at Work), first with Gloria, and later with Gloria's son, Rob Hoffman. Pauline was a force of nature. She faced numerous health challenges over the years with grace, resilience, and an unwaveringly positive spirit. She was known for her intelligence, charisma, creativity, warmth, and kindness-and she inspired everyone who knew her. A dedicated community volunteer, she gave generously of her time to organizations including the Dallas Jewish Historical Society, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Federation, National Council of Jewish Women, and the Temple Emanu-El Sisterhood. She was especially proud of her decades-long involvement with the March of Dimes, where she earned the affectionate title of "Grand Dame" for over 50 years of leadership on local, state, and national boards. Pauline also had a deep creative streak, which she expressed through sculpture, welded art, and, later in life, handmade silver and beaded jewelry. She was preceded in death by her husband, Len, in 2012; her parents, Regina and Lee Pierce; her brother, Leonard Pierce; and cherished companion Howard Schultz. She is survived by her children: Lisa Graivier Barnes and husband Carl of St. Louis, Missouri; Dr. Miles Graivier and wife Kathy of Atlanta, Georgia; and Tracy Graivier Bell and husband Jay of Dallas. She was deeply proud of her seven grandchildren Lee Becker, Fred Barnes, Emma Barnes, Pierce Bell, Max Graivier, Zoe Bell, and Sofia Graivier and was thrilled to celebrate her 90th birthday with them and her extended family last October. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Temple Emanu-El Cemetery, 3501 Campbell Street, Dallas, Texas 75204, followed by a memorial service and reception at Temple Emanu-El, 8500 Hillcrest Road, Dallas, Texas 75225. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the March of Dimes Dallas-Fort Worth (1527 W. State Highway 114, Suite 500-303, Grapevine, Texas 76051), the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas (7800 Northaven Road, Dallas, Texas 75230), or a charity of your choice.

Pauline Pierce Graivier

October 23, 1934 - July 24, 2025