On April 2nd, Pauline Mitchell of Scituate died from pneumonia, just eight days shy of her 99th birthday. Born in London in 1922, Pauline spent her childhood in London and Brighton. In 1941, at age 19, she joined the Women's Auxiliary Air Force of the Royal Air Force. During the war, Pauline met her husband, Rudy Mitchell, a photographer with the American Army. She enjoyed telling everyone she agreed to marry Rudy on the condition she would always have a cocker spaniel when they came to the US. Her last cocker spaniel, Toby, died in the Fall of 2020. When Pauline arrived in the US, she brought with her a love of gardening. In her Scituate garden she created a tiny piece of England. Over the years, friends provided her with seeds and plants, some rare, some English in origin. She was capable of transforming the smallest cuttings into vibrant plants. In addition to her gardening, Pauline was a skilled baker of pies, cakes, and cookies. Friends and neighbors will always remember her holiday treats.
Although Pauline became a US citizen in the early 1990's, she continued to keep England close to her heart. She never lost her British accent, maintained afternoon tea, and viewed Queen Elizabeth as her true sovereign. She was a petite woman, charming, courteous by nature, and appreciative of friends and visitors. Although it must be said, when her temper appeared, it was not easily forgotten.
When Pauline was 89, Rudy's multiple health issues led to him becoming a resident of the Scituate Life Care Center. Pauline decided to live alone and remained in her home until a few weeks before her death. This was the first time she had lived alone, a decision she would defend with ferocity. At that time, her entire family, on both sides of the Atlantic, consisted of two people. Pauline was able to maintain her independence through the help of her son and daughter-in-law, friends, church members, and local residents whose small businesses provided basic services, and who, unbeknownst to Pauline, also kept an eye on her. On the day Rudy was rushed to the hospital by ambulance, a neighbor appeared at Pauline's door who became a close friend and source of support providing Pauline with a friendship she had not experienced in a long time.
Pauline Mitchell is survived by her son, Rudolph Mitchell, and daughter-law, Mary Mitchell, of Boston. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Scituate Animal Shelter. Funeral services will be private.
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