Pauline Therese (Gregoire) Fontaine, 78, of Framingham, formerly of New Bedford, died Monday, September 4, 2006, at St. Patrick’s Manor in Framingham.
Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Wilfrid and Loretta (Gobeil) Gregoire, she was the wife of the late Rene Andre “Andy” Fontaine, who died in 1986. During her battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, she resided at St. Patrick’s Manor where she received a great deal of loving care from the staff who have many fond memories of her.
A retired Registered Nurse, Pauline was proud to be a member of the last graduating class of cadet nurses from St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford and remained close friends with many of her classmates. She loved people, laughter and music, and had a flair for cooking. Her smile and enthusiasm were known to “light up a room” and she was sure to include everyone in her good fortune and fun wherever she went. Gifted with a green thumb, she often created beautiful bouquets from her own garden to share.
Pauline had a great love of family and an acute memory for names, genealogies and the birthdays of her loved ones. She was always remembered by them as well, as evidenced by the many cards, gifts, visits and phone messages she regularly received. She often commented that her family members were the “nicest, most considerate people” and that she had “the most wonderful friends.”
She is survived by two sons, Andrew P. “Chip” Fontaine, and his wife Kim, of Framingham, and Paul L. Fontaine, and his girlfriend Barbara McCarraher, of New Bedford; a grandson Noel Ketchi, and his fiancée Cori Mauchan, of Framingham; a sister, Millicent “Dede” Falvey, and her husband Bob, of Florida; many cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grandnephews, and in-laws; and the most wonderful friends.
She will be greatly missed.
Her Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday Sept. 9 at 10 AM in Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish at St. James Church, 233 County St., New Bedford. Visiting hours are omitted. Memorial donations in her name may be made to Society for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Executive Plaza III, 11350 McCormick Rd., Suite 906, Hunt Valley, MD 21031. For directions and online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.