Pauline Whipps

Pauline (Cooke) Whipps, of Batchelder Road, passed away at home on February 7th surrounded by her family, after a long and brave battle with cancer. Born in Athol on June 26, 1934, she was the daughter of Libby and Howard Cooke. Polly graduated Athol High School in 1952 and Green Mountain College in 1954. Shortly after college she worked at Olyers Hat Shop on Main St. and later bought the business. She, alongside her husband George, founded Whipps, Inc. in 1977. Polly was active in the company until recently. Many of the employees were like family to Polly - she was very grateful so many came to visit her and prayed for her when she was unable to leave home. Polly was extremely proud to be the sixth generation born and raised in Athol. While working full time and being very involved with her grandchildren, she always found time for others. She loved her community and enjoyed her involvement with many local organizations including the Athol Historical Society, Athol Hospital Auxiliary, Athol Women’s Club and The Salvation Army. Polly was honored to be a Special Reserve Deputy Sheriff for Sheriff Lew of Worcester County. Some of her fondest memories were during the 10+ years she volunteered at Athol Memorial Hospital’s Oncology Clinic with her mother Libby. They spent countless hours comforting and supporting those battling cancer as they were both survivors. Always early to rise, Polly enjoyed a coffee with friends and hearing or telling the latest news. Never one to sit still, she had many projects including creating the most beautiful Christmas wreaths for the past 45 years. After Thanksgiving dinner was served, Polly would retire to the basement to begin the wreaths. She welcomed help from grandson Michael and many friends; Christmas was her favorite time of year. Polly was the heart and soul of her family. Polly was a member of Grace Anglican Church, Leominster. She enjoyed sharing her Christian faith. Over the past eighteen months, she gifted more than 200 copies of "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young to friends and strangers alike. Polly was one-of-a-kind! Survivors include George, her beloved husband of more than 50 years; and her children Patricia Adams and husband Richard; Elizabeth Whipps and husband Steven Lewis; Susannah Whipps Lee and husband Lac all of Athol; Timothy Clark and wife Marsha of Petersham; Evan Whipps and wife Lisa of Hopkinton, NH and Sarah Kenda and husband Stephen of North Hampton, NH; and grandchildren Sydney, Michael, Richard, Fred, James and David Adams; Samuel, Hannah and Elizabeth Clark, Ashley Legrand, Robert Stair and Danielle Lary; Isabelle, Emily and Olivia Johnson, Derek Lewis; Ella Whipps; Edward Kenda; and great grandchildren: Ava and Libby Adams; Tucker, Morgan and Autumn Legrand; Dallas and Finn Stair. Polly also leaves a brother Richard Whall of Bradford, NH; and sister-in-law Marcia Bell of Burlington, Ontario, and many nieces, nephews and special friends. Polly will also be missed by her faithful dog, Sadie. Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 12 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Fiske, Murphy, Mack, 110 New Athol Rd., Orange. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, February 13 at 11:00 a.m. at the Athol Historical Society, 1307 Main St., Athol with Bishop William Murdoch of the Anglican Diocese of New England officiating. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Athol Salvation Army, 107 Ridge Ave, Athol, MA 01331 or GVNA Hospice 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA 01440.