Pauline Nunes Coates

Known to everyone as Polly, she was the oldest of five siblings. Polly and her beloved first husband Joe raised their five children in North Reading, MA, where she was active in local Democratic politics. She was elected to the Board of Selectman and served as a member and Chairman of Democratic Town Committee, attended many Democratic state conventions as a delegate, and ran for the state senate. Polly was also a member and past president of the Reading Chapter of Toastmistresses International, a member of the League of Women Voters and the North Reading Grange, and a Girl Scout leader. She also was a member of St. Theresa's Church, serving as CYO mother, lector, and Christian Doctrine teacher.

As an avid reader and community activist, it is no surprise that Polly began her working career as a newspaper correspondent for the Lawrence Eagle Tribune, focusing on local news and human interest stories. Her fluency in shorthand script and local activism enabled her to cover events such as Town Meetings with accuracy and insight. As her children grew up, she began working as a full- time secretary in the public school system, eventually retiring as the executive secretary to the School Committee and the Superintendant of Schools for Reading, MA. She was a graduate of Malden High School, class of 1941.

Dancing was a singular joy for Polly. While they were courting in the 1940’s, she and Joe went big-band dancing most weekends. Their favorite spot was the popular Coconut Grove nightclub. In an ironic twist of fortune, they stayed away from the club on the night of the infamous and tragic Coconut Grove fire, while mourning the recent loss of Joe’s mother. In their 40 years together, whenever the chance presented itself, Polly and Joe were first onto the dance floor and were a site to behold. She was grief-stricken by Joe’s sudden heart attack at 62, but eventually found joy again dancing with the North of Boston Singles club, where she met her beloved second husband Stan, also an avid and elegant ballroom dancer.

After several years “snow birding” to Florida in the winters, Polly and her beloved second husband Stan permanently retired to North Ft. Myers, FL, where she enjoyed the climate and active retirement lifestyle for two decades, before returning to New England in her declining months to be nearer to her children. Polly and Stan’s home was known for sunset “dock-tails” on the adjacent canal, and visiting friends and family were often treated to pontoon-boat cruises along the magnificent Caloosahatchee River. Sadly and tragically, one of their favorite activities claimed Stan’s life in a drowning accident.

After moving to Florida, Polly took up photography as a hobby and a passion. She was an active member and past president of the Fort Myers Camera Club. Known for artful framing and colorful subjects, Polly enjoyed entering her best shots into competition. Many of her most outstanding photographs were captured during her extensive annual RV travels throughout the United States and Canada, where she sought out nature preserves, zoos and hot-air-balloon festivals. Nature was her favorite subject, especially unique animals and brilliant flowers, and many of her favorite shots are displayed in the homes of her friends and family.

She was predeceased by devoted husbands Joseph E. Nunes and Stanley M. Coates, daughter Dianne A. Burelle, brother Richard Howe, parents Hazel and Robert Howe and three grandchildren D.J. Damron, David Damron, and Caroline Miner. She is survived by children Cheryl A Nunes Miner, Joseph E. Nunes, Jr., Howard A. Nunes, and Cletus A. Nunes; along with ten grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, brother Robert Howe and sisters Jane Ronan and Priscilla Brown.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday May 18, 2013 at St. Theresa's Church, 815 Central Rd. Rye, NH. at 10:30 am followed by a luncheon.. Arrangements are under the care of Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland ME. 04103.

In Lieu of Flowers donations can be made in Polly’s name to either Gosnell Memorial Hospice House 11 Hunnewell Rd. Scarborough ME 04074 or VNA Home Health Care 50 Foden Rd. S. Portland ME 04106.