Obituary of Pauline Alberta Golding

On the evening of May 5^th, after a pleasant day enjoying the spring weather, and socializing with family and friends, Pauline passed away at the St. John St. Stephen Nursing Home. Although Pauline had been in failing health, she enjoyed life to the fullest. She loved and appreciated her family, friends, and caregivers who visited her often.

Pauline Alberta Lingley, born in Saint John in 1935, to the late Herbert Franklin and Edith Pearl (Sprague) Lingley, was the youngest of seven children. She is predeceased by her brothers, Harry, Frank, Jim, Donnie, and her sister Doreen. She is survived by her sister, Shirley Conley. She often described the heydays of her youth and the vibrancy of the north end of the city, fondly remembering her days working at Jerry Koven’s shoe store and then later for Eddie Cohen at Hoffman’s. It was in those early days that she honed the fashion sense to which her daughters aspired.

Pauline was a proud “North Ender” who was wooed over the bridge to Lancaster by the love of her life, Alan William Golding. They were married for almost 70 years, living in the house that Alan built in 1961 on Manchester Avenue, during a very memorable stint living in the Martinon summer home without running water! They raised their six children, becoming fixtures in the neighbourhood, sending their children to Barnhill Memorial School, and becoming active members of St. Mark’s United Church. Pauline loved St Mark’s, especially her service in the UCW where she developed many close friendships.

As their children grew and Alan retired, they were able to spend over 20 winters in Largo, Florida, enjoying the sunshine, socializing, and shopping with other “snowbird” friends. She also entertained her children and their families and was thrilled when they all came to visit!

Mom loved her family, but she also loved her friends - and she had many of them! Her “small club,” her “big club,” her neighbours, relatives, and childhood friends. These were women with whom she shared a good cup of tea, the challenges of parenthood, recipes, vacations, card games, adventures in Winnebagos, shopping trips, and many laughs and tears. She shared her life with them and loved them with her whole heart. She made the most of Alexander Bell’s invention, spending hours chatting when she was not able to see people in person. In her later years she would not rest until Alan built a deck in the front of the family home so she could chat with friends and neighbours walking past, which they both enjoyed immensely.

Pauline was predeceased by her husband, Alan, last spring and her eldest son, Shawn in 1987. Shawn passed away after a lengthy illness and it was a loss she carried with her throughout her life. Pauline is survived by her children, Sandra (Wayne) Barrett, Gary (Kathy Firek) Golding, Sherry (Donald Chamberlain), Patricia, and Jennifer (Michael) O’Brien. She adored her grandchildren, Melissa & Shawn (Christie Stelling) Barrett, Patrick (Ghazal Ghahreman) & Daniel O’Brien, as well as her step grandchildren, Benjamin (Vicki Archer), Samuel & Matthew Chamberlain, and Michael & Andrew MacDonald. Pauline also had many nieces and nephews whom she loved. She was always eager for news on all their lives and adventures. Friendly and gracious to all, she enjoyed chatting with everyone up until the day she passed. Pauline considered herself blessed and was grateful for the life she lived.

The family would like to thank the kind and caring staff and the medical team at the St. John St. Stephen Nursing home. We cannot thank them enough for keeping Mom and Dad together when they could no longer live at home. To Evelyn, Lynn, and Sonya, we are eternally indebted to each of you for taking such wonderful care of our parents.

Arrangements are under the care of Castle Fallsview Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave, Saint John, NB, E2M 2L3 506-634-1701. Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 25 from 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM. A Memorial Service will take place on Monday, May 26th at 11:00 AM in St. Marks United Church, a reception will follow with interment in Cedar Hill Extension Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations in Pauline's memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences can be made at www.castlefh.ca