Pauline E. Melanson

LEOMINSTER - Pauline E. Melanson, 89, a lifelong resident of Leominster, MA and winter resident of Fort Myers, FL died peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, July 7, 2016. She was the widow of Robert C. Melanson, her beloved husband of 56 years. Pauline was born in Leominster on March 16, 1927, the daughter of Clara (Dion) and Ovila Prince and grew up on French Hill surrounded by family. She graduated from Leominster High School and received an Associate’s Degree from Fitchburg State College. She worked at Massachusetts Electric, owned a small business and worked as a bookkeeper for Friendly’s Restaurants. She was a longtime member of the Leominster Hospital Guild and a volunteer at both Leominster Hospital and Gulf Coast Hospital. She was a member of the Oak Hill Country Club for 43 years and a long-time parishioner at St Leo’s Church. She and Bob spent many winters at the Hideaway Country Club in Fort Myers and enjoyed playing golf, the beach and the many friends they made there. Pauline was known for her sense of style, her year round tan and her tireless energy for shopping. Her strong spirit and determination enabled her to overcome many obstacles with grace. She was devoted to her family and her generosity was unparalleled. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Paula Melanson and Mary Lou Silverman of Bedford, MA and Mark Melanson and Michael Antisdale of West Hartford, CT. She also leaves her grandchildren, John Silverman and his wife Yumiko of Kashiwa, Japan, Brian Silverman and his wife Shauna of Culver City, CA, great-grandchildren Daise Silverman and Nina Silverman and her brother, Paul Prince of Kensington, MD. She was pre-deceased by her cousin and best friend, Theresa Hakala. She is also survived by in-laws Norman and Catherine (Tina) Melanson, Judy Melanson, Arthur St. Yves, Gerald Lange, Paul and Suzanne Melanson and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by in-laws Roger Melanson, Doris and Albert Mangiacotti, Jeanette St. Yves, Beverly Lange and Constance Prince. Her family wishes to express their gratitude and deep appreciation to Susan, May and Linda, who helped her remain independent at home and the staff at Sterling Village, Aspen Unit, who made her last months comfortable. A mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, July 13, 2016 10 AM in Saint Leo's Church 128 Main St., Leominster. Calling hours will be held Tuesday, July 12, 2016 from 4 to 7 PM at the Simard Funeral Home 14 Walker St. Leominster In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Depression Bipolar Support Alliance of Boston, PO Box 102, Belmont, MA 02578 (www.dpsaboston.org) or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org). To send an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com. Simard Funeral Home 14 Walker St. Leominster is directing arrangements.