Pauline Williams Arthur

Pauline Louise (Williams) Arthur age 91 and long-time resident of Littleton passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at Emerson Hospital surrounded by her family. She was the loving wife of 70 years to Harold Floyd Arthur (Hal).

Pauline was born in Brockton, Massachusetts on December 27, 1932, the daughter of the late Everett Burr Williams and Priscilla Mullins (Bird) Williams. She grew up in East Bridgewater, the eldest of three girls, and graduated from East Bridgewater High School. After a 5-year courtship involving a lot of roller skating and trips to Hal’s family home on Buttermilk Bay in Wareham, she married U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Harold Floyd Arthur on May 28, 1954. As a military family, they lived in Japan, New Hampshire, northern California, Texas, Italy and southern California. In 1973 Pauline and her family returned to their New England roots, settling in Littleton. They were happy to come “home” to the love and companionship of their extended family in Massachusetts. 

Pauline was an extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Being a military wife, she was an expert at packing, settling and packing again. While living in Italy, the family spent summers camping all over Europe. She traveled with girlfriends to London and Florence. She and Hal kept in touch with friends from all the various places they lived. Every time she lived abroad, she returned to the US pregnant and always said there was something in the water! 

While living in Italy, Pauline volunteered in the base dental office. She enjoyed it so much, she continued to work in dental offices (Dr Golden and Dr Witts) in Acton. She was a wonderful cook (but hated her low sodium diet!), loved to bowl, and got a lot of pleasure watching birds at the birdfeeder with Mittens. She enjoyed gardening and was an active member of the Littleton Garden Club until health problems forced her to enjoy gardens from afar. Her nightly glass of boxed wine was an indulgence she never let Harold forget. Late in life, she took to reading, watching basketball and bowling, and spending the day in her jammies. 

The family’s second home on Moose Pond, in Bridgton, Maine was the site of many terrific memories with friends and family for the past 50 years. Pauline delighted in lounging on the porch watching activity and wildlife on the lake and reveled in seeing her children and grandchildren enjoy themselves. She had a special fondness for watching the loons and decorated the whole lake house with them. 

Pauline was also a member of St. Matthew’s Methodist Church in Acton where she attended weekly services and volunteered on numerous church groups and committees. 

In addition to her husband, she leaves behind her three devoted children, Cheryl Shnider (Marc) of Manchester by the Sea, MA, Charlene Girard (Bill Smith) of Kingston, NH and Greg Arthur (Sarah Mleziva) of Littleton. The loving mother of two of her grandchildren, Laura Arthur, held a special place in her heart. She had 10 precious grandchildren (Ilan, Danielle, Stephanie, Talia, Evan, Lea, Daria, Maya, Tyler and Madisyn) and 11 dear great grandchildren, all of whom will miss her terribly. She is also survived by her sister, Elaine Underhill (Frank) and her sister-in-law, Janet Arthur along with a large family of nieces and nephews, their spouses and children. Her pets, Mittens, Misty and Penny will certainly feel her absence. 

She was predeceased by her parents, her sister, Shirley Marthe, her brothers in law John Arthur, Donald Marthe and Robert Lamkin, and her sister-in-law, Marjorie Lamkin. 

Pauline will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. Rest in peace and God bless. 

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Pauline for calling hours on Monday, October 21, 2024 from 4:00-7:00 pm at the Badger Funeral Home, 347 King Street, Littleton. Her funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Matthews United Methodist Church, 435 Central St., Acton, MA. Burial will follow at Westlawn Cemetery, Littleton with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Matthews United Methodist Church, 435 Central Street, Acton, MA 01750.

Arrangements under the care of Badger Funeral Home, 347 King Street, Littleton, MA 01460  978-486-3709 www.badgeruneral.com