Born and raised with her 7 Acadian siblings in Rumford, Maine, Pauline eventually settled in Nashua where she built a career at MACOM/TYCO and bought a home that she loved. Pauline was strong and independent and did it for herself; by herself.
Pauline had an infectious laugh; and she laughed often. She loved babies and children and they loved her back. Although she never had children of her own, her life was rich with them. She "adopted" her nieces and nephews and loved them like her own. She was always there to share in their joys, listen compassionately to their sorrows and keep their secrets. She was known by her family for the silly and delightful songs she sang to her nieces and nephews; and eventually to their children; and their children's children. She had a warm lap, loving hugs and an unwavering twinkle in her eyes.
Her family was her everything. She could often be heard at family gatherings saying, "We're so lucky!" She adored her siblings and for years Pauline hosted a New Year's Eve gathering for them and their spouses. These gatherings were filled with music and song; jigs and hugs; laughter and joy. Pauline was responsible for so much of that joie de vivre. She never took her blessings for granted.
She enjoyed vacations at the beach, yoga, Acadian fiddle music, the laughter of babies, and fresh Maine lobster. She cherished her friends and her faith in God. She also loved angels and she now resides with them.
Pauline is survived by her sister Theresa Vaillancourt, Mexico, Maine, sisters in law Linda Theriault of Peabody, Mass and Iris Theriault of Clearwater, FL, brother in law Irving Keith Morton of Shelton, CT. Also survived by a host of nieces and nephews: Diane Gallagher, Denise Vaillancourt, Mark Vaillancourt, Jane Vaillancourt Velarde, Linda Mayhew, Patty Zuraw, Donna Theriault, Joanie Theriault, Coreen Theriault, Karen Shoemaker, Paul Bourgea, John Bourgea, Terri Theriault, Rick Theriault, Susan Theriault and Frank Theriault, Keith Morton, Blaine Morton, Sharon Morton and Wayne Morton, Lisa Leahy and Michelle Theriault along with their spouses, children and grandchildren.
She was pre-deceased by her beloved brothers Frankie Theriault, Jeff Theriault and Norman Theriault and beloved sisters Bertha Theriault, Freda Bourgea and Rita Morton. She was also pre-deceased by beloved brothers in law Omer "Oats" Vaillancourt and Roland Bourgea, niece Anne Good and nephew Normie Theriault as well as her parents Gertrude Poirier Theriault and Elphege Theriault. Her surviving family members are left with heavy hearts but know there is an awesome family reunion taking place in Heaven.
Special thanks to the kind and compassionate staff at Community Hospice House in Merrimack, N.H. and blessings to her niece Joanie Theriault who so unselfishly kept vigil at her Auntie Pauline's bedside through the end. Donations may be made in Pauline's memory to: Merrimack Community Hospice House, 210 Naticook Road, Merrimack, N.H. 03054
