Pauline Bennett Matthews

Portland - Pauline Bennett Matthews, 84, of Portland, died December 24 after a long illness. She was born September 12, 1926 in Yarmouth, daughter of the late Frank A. and Helen Thurston Bennett. She attended local schools. In May 1946 she married Frederick Russell Matthews. Together they raised five children. Pauline and Russell often gathered with their siblings and their families to share meals and many good times.

Pauline devoted her life to raising their children, sharing with them her love for nature and for reading. Following her husband's death in 1982, and with her children grown, she spent the following twenty-five years working for Holiday Inn and continued to enjoy the arrival of grandchildren and her growing family.

She is survived by her five children Frederick R. Matthews, Jr. of Newport Beach, California, Judith Matthews Cookson of Lincolnville Beach, Maine, Frank John Matthews, of Portland, Maine, Martha Matthews Bucklin and her husband Charles E. Bucklin of Northeast Harbor, Maine and Linda Matthews Kriger of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Besides her husband and parents she is predeceased by her brother Howard Bennett and sisters Hazel Bennett Hincks and Barbara Bennett Willette.

A memorial visitation will be held Sunday January 2, 2010 from 1 – 2 p.m. at the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford St. Portland. A memorial service at the funeral home will follow at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Phil Shearman officiating.

Contributions in her memory may be made to Maine SPCA c/o Animal Refuge League 449 Stroudwater Street, Westbrook, Maine 04092 or to a charitable organization of your choice.

Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Pauline’s guestbook.