Pauline Zawisza Gamache passed away Wednesday December 28, 2022 at the age of 97 in Lumberton, MS where she resided with her daughter Barbara for the last 4 years. She previously resided in Columbia, CT and was a loving wife, mother and friend.
Pauline leaves behind her daughters, Barbara Wilson (James) of Lumberton, MS and Katherine Lemire (Richard) of Groton, CT; grandchildren, Lisa Hedge of Guilford, CT and Keith Lemire (Heather) of Groton, CT; great-grandchildren, Jordan, Lilly, Sophie, and Jake Hedge, Andrew and Emma Lemire; sister, Frances Robinson of Middletown, CT; neighbors, Sarah and Andy Keleher who became family, adopted grandchildren Andrew and Maya Keleher of Middletown, CT and loving friend Tammy Ford of Lumberton, MS. She was preceded in death by brothers, Edward and Stanley and sisters, Carrie, Mary, Josephine, Charlotte, Genevieve and Helen.
Pauline was born October 20, 1925 in Hebron, CT the daughter of deceased Polish immigrants Joseph and Marcella Zawisza. Pauline met and married the love of her life, Maurice Gamache, residing in Columbia, CT. While Maurice was fighting in WW II ,she became a welder supporting the war efforts. With only an 8th grade education she became a supervisor at the Electromotive Company in Willimantic, CT. She and her husband established and owned Columbia Package Store in Columbia, CT along with brother Roger Gamache and his wife Doris. Following the death of her husband she worked for the Windham Recreation Department in Willimantic, CT where she directed and led activities for Seniors and children. Pauline was awarded The Key to the City of Willimantic and was named Ms. Senior Valentine. She also received a commendation from the State of Connecticut for her volunteer work. Pauline was very active in her grandchildren’s lives, attending their school and sporting activities. She was known as the team ‘Grandma’ for Lisa’s tennis and cheerleading teams. Her passion was watching UCONN women’ s basketball.
Pauline put the needs of others before her own and lived her life loving to the fullest. A kind, strong woman filled with love and compassion, Pauline will be missed by many and our hearts are heavy with her passing. God has called her home and without a doubt, Maurice is waiting and they will dance in the heavens together.
A Mass will be celebrated on Saturday January 28, at 10AM at St. Andrew Catholic Church 128 Norwich Ave, Colchester. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Colchester. Relatives and friends may visit the family from 9:30AM at the church until Mass. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com
To send flowers or plant a tree in memory of Pauline Zawisza Gamache, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
28
Jan
128 Norwich Ave
Colchester, CT 06415
Funeral Mass
28
Jan
128 Norwich Ave
Colchester, CT 06415
Cemetery Details
Location
Rt 85
Colchester, CT 06415
