Pauline Frances Mulrennan, 92, of Lake Mary, FL and Derry, NH passed away peacefully on March 14, 2023, surrounded by family. Born on March 1,1931 in Fitchburg, MA to Blanche McDonald and George Hughes, Pauline graduated high school and enrolled in Leominster Hospital Nursing School.
She became a Registered Nurse, working at Alexander Eastman Hospital in Derry. On 3/1/51, she married the love of her life, Joe Tomaselli. They moved to Derry, where she continued her nursing career at the Derry Medical Center. She and Joe raised their five children in Derry, while Pauline continued her nursing career, joined the Business and Professional Women’s Club, and promoted community sports and local events. In later years, Pauline worked for private physicians, finally retiring to Florida at age 55.
After the death of her first husband Joe, Pauline was blessed to meet and marry Jim Mulrennan in 1990. She enjoyed singing in the church choir, both at Annunciation Catholic Church in Altamonte Springs and Ascension Parish in Melbourne. She and Jim loved golfing (she’s made three holes in one!), playing shuffleboard (always to win), and visiting friends and family. When Jim’s health declined, they moved closer to family, into Oakmonte Assisted Living Facility in Lake Mary. Jim passed away weeks later, but Pauline insisted on staying in the assisted living facility. She found purpose in helping fellow residents. She’d help them read the menu and order meals. She encouraged new residents to play bingo, work puzzles and read books. Through it all, she developed lifelong friendships.
If you knew Pauline, you knew her smile. You saw the sparkle in her blue eyes. You knew she never complained.
Faith formed Pauline’s life. She was a member of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Altamonte Springs, where she attended Mass every Sunday, even when it had to be virtual. She went to adoration and loved receiving communion. Despite health struggles and the loss of beloved family members, Pauline maintained a calm spirit. She never complained. Rather, her face lit up when she saw you. She’d offer a gentle smile and a loving presence. She’d ask how you were doing. She’d discuss the news or sports. It was never about her. It was always about the joy she could deliver to you.
Pauline is survived by sons Kevin (Becky) Tomaselli, Joe (Debra) Tomaselli, and daughters Kathy (the late Frank) Catalfamo and Gina (Bryan) Maki, additionally, she is survived by 11 grandchildren and 24 beloved great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her first husband, Joseph Tomaselli in 1986, by her second husband, James J. Mulrennan in 2015, and also be her son, Steve “Whiz” Tomaselli in 2019.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at St. Mary Magdalen Church in Altamonte Springs, FL. Graveside services will be held on Friday March 24, 2023 at 11:00am in the Holy Cross Cemetery, Gilcreast Road, Londonderry.