Obituary of Pauline Kathryn Lavery

February 23, 1938 - Bath, New Brunswick

October 14, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Pauline Lavery (née Boyd) passed away peacefully on October 14th, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Pauline was born on February 23rd, 1938, in Johnville, New Brunswick, as the youngest of nine siblings. Her early years were marked by long walks to school, early mornings milking cows, potato picking; and fostering her lifelong love of music by learning to play the piano from the nuns at St. John the Evangelist Church.

After graduating from Bath Regional High School in 1955, Pauline pursued her passion for education and became a teacher. Her teaching career led her to Calgary, where she crossed paths with her future husband of 58 years, Alex. Pauline taught with the Calgary Catholic School District and as her family grew, she continued as a guest teacher.  She later shifted to a role in Human Resources with the Calgary Health Region until she retired.

Above all, Pauline's greatest joy was her family. She was a dedicated sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. When not at home, she found solace in her faith as a devout Catholic, actively participating at Holy Spirit Parish. Pauline's voice filled the church choir, her piano playing was a staple during weekday masses, and enjoyed the fellowship of making rosaries with and for school children.

Pauline is survived by her loving husband, Alex, her cherished children, Jim (Marianne Bunker), Kate (Kevin Masters), Paul (Kyla Lavery), and Jenn (Ian Fero). Her memory lives on through her eight adoring grandchildren - Jakob, Tyler, Kyle, Alexandra, Brendan, Joel, Lukas, and Rachel. She is also survived by her devoted sister, Denise, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Pauline is now reunited in eternity with her parents, Cloud and Gertrude Boyd, and her siblings, Helen Barry, Maddie Logue, Billie Benson, Barbara Krochenski, Basil Boyd, Arnold Boyd, and Sam Boyd.

Pauline's family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Bouchard and the compassionate staff of the Applewood Unit at Providence Care Center for their unwavering kindness and support over the past seven years.

Pauline's memory will forever remain in our hearts. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit lives on in the lives she touched. May she rest in eternal peace.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer’s Society of Calgary at 7015 Macleod Trail SW #800 , Telephone: 403 – 290-0110, https://www.alzheimercalgary.ca/get-involved/support-us/donate-now.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Pauline’s family here.

In living memory of Pauline Lavery, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.