DUDLEY - Pauline C. (Mellen) Rizner, 82, of Dudley, died Saturday, October 5, 2013 at home with her daughter and son-in-law at her side. Her husband of 62 years, Albert P. Rizner, died in 2010.
She leaves her daughter, Susan L. Nowak and her husband Robert T. Nowak of Webster; 3 grandchildren, Deanna Mayrhofer, Christopher Nowak and Kelly Seddiki; 5 great-grandchildren, Alessandro, Claudia, Giada, Matthew and Amira; 3 sisters, Shirley Chaukus and Virginia Cote, both of Southbridge, and Linda McDonald of Sturbridge; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Nancy J. Marcoux and her son-in-law, David H. Marcoux, both in 2012 and by 2 brothers, Howard and Dick Mellen.
She was born and raised in Southbridge, a daughter of Howard Mellen, Sr. and Gladys (Dahn) Mellen and lived in Dudley most of her life. She graduated from Bartlett High School in 1948.
Mrs. Rizner worked at the Publick House and at the Old Sturbridge Village Tavern, both in Sturbridge for about 20 years. Her main occupation was raising her family.
She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Oxford, where she volunteered as a greeter, bell ringer and collector. She was active in both the Webster and Dudley Senior Centers. She was an avid card player, and especially enjoyed playing pitch and canasta. She loved her Celtics and rooted for them enthusiastically, regardless of their record.
Pauline touched the lives of everyone she encountered with her thoughtful, caring and generous nature. There was not a person she was unwilling to help or a charity she was unwilling to give to.
Calling hours will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday, October 10, in the Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, 340 School St., Webster. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, October 11, in Zion Lutheran Church, 70 S. Main Street, Oxford. Donations in her name may be made to either Tri-Valley, Inc. 10 Mill St., Dudley, MA 01571 or to Zion Lutheran Church, 70 S. Main St., Oxford, MA 01540.