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MARQUETTE, MI – Pauline Frances Berry, age 96, a lifelong resident of Marquette and a devoted member of St. Peter Cathedral, passed away Thursday, August 13, at Trillium House, surrounded by the loving care of her family and caregivers from Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice.
Pauline was born in Marquette, Michigan, on July 18, 1930, the daughter of Charles and Rieal (Guibord) Bolduc. She graduated from Bishop Baraga High School in 1948. On August 26, 1950, she married John Joseph Berry, who preceded her in death on January 14, 1978.
Pauline was a dedicated mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her four children: Kay (Rodney) Mitchell of Marquette; Steven (Stacey Hepburn) Berry of Maryland; Richard (Rita) Rossway of Marquette; and Brian Berry of Virginia.
She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Stephanie Koski, Maria Berry, Emily (Jared) Johnson, Matthew Mitchell, Rhoni Rossway, Rainger (Cassandra) Rossway, Nicole Berry, and Samuel Berry; and great-grandchildren, Karisa, Jonathan and Keegan Koski as well as Hazel and Owen Johnson. She is also survived by her special niece, Clare Ann (Randy) Landry, and their children, Ashli and Nicholas Landry of Texas, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Pauline enjoyed a long and varied working life. She was employed by the DSS&A Railroad, Oliver Adjustment Company, Jarrett B. Micklow, DDS, Michael T. Orhanen, DDS, and St. Michael Parish for 23 years. She took pride in every position she held and enjoyed the people she met throughout her years of service.
Her faith was a central part of Pauline's life. At St. Peter Cathedral, she served as a Lector and as a Minister of Communion. She served on the Parish Council and Liturgy Commission and was involved with the Pony Express, the training of Lectors, and seminars for Ministers of Communion and Lectors. She participated in Good Friday drama presentations, RCIA, the Easter Triduum Committee, the decorating committee, ministry scheduling, the Fully Alive in '95 program, the Diocesan Liturgical Commission, and Perpetual Adoration. Her commitment to her parish and her faith touched countless lives.
Pauline also had a wonderful comedic side. In the 1970s, she performed comedy at various venues and appeared in a vaudeville show at Scarlet O'Hara's with Gayle LaJoye. One of her memorable performances was a mock striptease act as a cleaning lady, ala Carol Burnett. She created the character "Eniluap Cudlob," her maiden name, Pauline Bolduc, spelled backwards. She loved making people laugh, loved the "fellas," and affectionately called them "darlin."
Family was at the heart of Pauline's life. She especially loved caring for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed attending all their school and sporting events. She took great joy and pride in watching her family grow and supporting them in all that they did.
Pauline was also committed to staying active. For many years she participated in the Get Fit Program at Northern Michigan University, enjoying walking, dance aerobics, and swimming. She was a lifelong Weight Watchers participant and was a regular blood donor at Marquette General Hospital, receiving awards in recognition of her generous donations.
Pauline was preceded in death by her parents, her maternal grandparents, Thomas and Clara (Bashaw) Guibord; her paternal grandparents, Alphonse and Frances (Berry) Bolduc; her sister and brother-in-law, Mercedes and Leonard Barhitte; her granddaughter, Anna Ruth Rossway; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Pauline leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, family, service, hard work, laughter, and love. She will be remembered for her generous spirit, her devotion to her family and church, her determination to remain active, and especially for the humor and warmth she brought to those around her. Her family and friends will forever cherish the memories of their beloved "darlin."
Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 19, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at St. Peter Cathedral, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m., with Fr. Zachary Mazurek officiating. A luncheon will follow the Mass in the church hall. Burial will follow the luncheon at Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trillium House 1144 Northland Drive, Marquette MI 49855.
The Canale Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the family. Condolences may be expressed online at canalefuneral.com