FALL RIVER… Pauline F. (Sylvia) Arnold, 78, of Fall River passed away June 8, 2021 at St. Anne’s Hospital.
Born in Fall River, she was a daughter of the late Jesse and Mary (Pirozzi) Sylvia and had been a lifelong resident of this city.
Pauline was passionate about living life with authenticity! Everything she said and did was grandiose. Her heart of gold matched her infectious laugh and gigantic personality! In high school, she was a thespian and won honors for her theatrical performance. She would memorize all the actress’ lines which often led to landing the lead roles! People were drawn to her dramatic flair and eidetic memory. Her love for theatre and everything Hollywood continued throughout her life whether it was watching old time movies and Grammy music awards or taking her to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Glamour and glitz described her style. She dressed like a movie star with her sense of style. Shoes, accessories, makeup, pocket books, jewelry, nails, toenails, and hair pieces had to match her outfits. She made sure her children always looked their Sunday best everyday too, a process which took hours and they didn’t appreciate at the time. They were eager to go on the family adventure! They both knew they would be traveling to a new fine dining restaurant, picnic and kite flying at a grassy state park overlooking the ocean, singing and dancing at some event, building castles or burying one another under the velvety sand, a historic site with re-enactments, Portuguese feasts at one of the many cathedrals, a ferry ride to an island to walk on cobble streets, smell the salty sea air, go into quaint shops, and her daughter’s favorite marina that was full of music and people enjoying New England. Holidays were special. Even St. Patrick’s Day, because it was celebrated like all others. If the holiday didn’t have traditional foods, games, and social events at some venue, Pauline would cook and make certain her kids understood the meaning of the celebration along with its customs and traditions. She lived her life with joy and love and would want all of us to do the same. It never ceased to amaze people how little she possessed, yet how freely she gave.
“Momma, continue your celebration of love, laughter, and life but this time in eternity with your hand in God’s free from pain, judgements, and hardships. You will be so very missed! We are left with broken hearts but the memories and love we have for you will carry on. Love ya momma!”
Survivors include her daughter: Robin Link of San Carlos, AZ; her son: Robbie Arnold of Brockton; her grandchildren: Raina Diallo and her husband Jay, Tatiana Link, Josiah Link, Jonathan Arnold and Melissa Arnold; her great grandchildren: Maleah Diallo, Jirecio Link and Malachi Diallo; her sister: Elaine Burt of Newark, CA; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service to which relatives and friends are invited will be held Thursday, June 17, 2021 at 12 Noon at South Coast Funeral Home, 1555 Pleasant St. Fall River, MA 02723 followed by interment in Notre Dame Cemetery, Fall River. Calling hours will be held Thursday from 10 AM – 12 Noon, prior to the funeral service.