Pauline Marie Jeanne (Serré) McGonagle passed away peacefully at home on June 25, 2026. Born in Victoriaville, Province Quebec, Canada on November 10, 1930 to the late Eugene Serré and Cecile (Boisvert) Serré, she moved to the United States after she was married. She had five children: Lucy McGonagle Casella (Mark Casella) of West Newbury, MA, Patrick McGonagle of Pueblo West, CO, Ann McGonagle of Medford, MA, Jacinta Landry (John Landry) of Tucson, AZ, and Daniel McGonagle (Elvira McGonagle) of North Andover, MA. Ever-doting Grandmaman of Christina McGonagle of Kilauea, HI, Brendan McGonagle of Medford, MA and Jessica Keaney (Nathan Keaney) of Chelmsford, MA, as well as loving Great-Grandmaman to William Keaney of Chelmsford, MA. Cherished sister of Andre Serré and late siblings Marguerite Forcier and Madeleine Serré, all of Canada and the late Jacques Serré of France. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.
Pauline was a beautiful, phenomenally-intelligent strong woman, with a discerning eye for antiques, deep love for classical music and opera; and possessed an unshakeable faith, with particular devotion to the Virgin Mother Mary. She was a voracious reader, especially enjoying detective and spy thriller reads set in Washington, D.C. Pauline loved BRIGHT colors, most notably L’Oreal #410 Volcanic, her signature shockingly orange lipstick shade for decades. Pauline loved, loved, loved going to the ocean! Hull, Nantasket, Revere, and Hampton Beaches plus the beaches of Aruba all had a special appeal for her. Smartly, she watched sports – “But only the late-series playoff games, they are the most enjoyable to watch for better play.” Found watching golf matches interesting, but only for the beautiful scenery; and was captivated by the Mark McGuire/Sammy Sosa home run competition.
She loved her children unambiguously, but overwhelmingly enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandson; decried gratuitous, consequence-less violence on television and in society, and was a world-class “Worry Warrior” for and about us. Pauline strategically employed a sly, observer-type humor, often delivered to us when we least expected it. She was a force for good in society, and we will miss her terribly.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St, Medford, Friday, July 10th, from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM followed by a funeral Mass celebrated in Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant St., Malden, at 10 AM. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.
In lieu of flowers, Pauline’s family welcomes donations to: The Wounded Warrier Project (support.woundedwarrierproject.org) Project 75816, Topeka, KA 66675-8516; Project New Hope, Inc (projectnewhope.org/support/-us/) 70 James St., Suite 155, Worcester, MA 01603; or The New England Center and Home for Veterans (nechv.org) 17 Court St., Boston, MA 02108.