PAULINE WHELAN
Oct. 7, 1935 – Jan. 21, 2024
Pauline Patricia Whelan (née McGonnell) was born on a cool damp day in Dublin, Ireland, the first child and only daughter of Daniel and Patricia. Four brothers – Brian, Donald, Brendan and David – followed and Pauline grew up surrounded by loving family including innumerable aunts, uncles and cousins.
On her fifteenth birthday, she was spontaneously serenaded by an acquaintance of one of her friends. Declan was an enthusiastic but admittedly pitchy crooner. The romance that ensued would sustain them for the next 70 years.
Her life adventure with Declan would see them start a family in Ireland, before moving to Canada. Frequent moves included stays in Deep River, Birmingham, UK, back to Deep River, Oakville, Kincardine, Seoul Korea, Ottawa, back to Kincardine, Toronto, once more to Kincardine, Saint John and back yet again to Kincardine. Pauline’s career included bookkeeping in Ireland, supporting her family of seven as the sole wage earner in Birmingham; working as a secretary at St. Anthony’s school in Kincardine; selling real estate; teaching English to Korean university students; and managing a portfolio of real estate holdings.
Community life was very important to Pauline and her activities were legion. Pauline was an active member of St. Anthony’s parish and had deep and abiding faith. She and Declan were lifelong supporters of the St. Vincent de Paul society, both in Ireland and Canada. Pauline supported and was active in many organizations, including the Cancer Society, Amnesty International, the Canadian Federation of University Women, among others. Pauline was instrumental in the establishment of the Women’s House in Kincardine, helping to get it started and then serving on the Board and ultimately as chair.
Pauline was always grateful for the good fortune in her life and sought to extend it to others. She and Declan personally funded a scholarship to help a disadvantaged young woman through four years of university. The importance of community also manifested in an active social life, including legendary pig roasts that fed neighbours, near and far.
Pauline’s intellectual interests ran wide and deep. An accomplished pianist, Pauline was always happy to share use of her baby grand piano with the Kincardine Summer Music Festival. She loved history of all kinds and was particularly chuffed to have been born on the anniversary of the Battle of Lepanto. This was a passion she shared with Declan, which led them to co-author a historical novel centered on the early days of the city of Dublin. Pauline also loved speaking the Irish language and was proud to be a Gaeilgeoir. Once her family was a bit older, Pauline embarked on her dream of a university education. The family’s frequent moves made this challenging but she persevered. Accumulating credits over 15 years and from five different educational institutions, Pauline was justifiably proud to receive her B.A. from the University of Waterloo in 1987.
Her shared love of history with Declan naturally led to a shared love of travel. Initial adventures to Italy as newlyweds led over time to more ambitious trips encompassing North America, the Caribbean, East Asia, Australia, the South Pacific, and every corner of Europe. Not to mention regular trips to the Old Sod where they loved introducing their own children to the endless charms of Ireland. Their final travelling adventure was wintering in Portugal; their home base of Burgau held a special place in their hearts.
Family was foundational to her life. Being big sister to four rambunctious brothers was just the training she needed to be mother to five rambunctious children: Paul, Declan, Marina, Angela and Niall and later she and Declan also provided a home to her nephew Patrick. Each of whom added their own partners to her life: Sue, Sharyn, Eugene, Fred, Anna and Nancy.
Pauline had many grandchildren: Taylor, Rebecca, Sinead, Kyla, Colin, Conor, Shannon, Ryan, Adam, Claire, Mairead, Sean, Jonathan, and Stephanie; and three great-grandchildren Akeira, Owen and Nathan. Visits to her home in Kincardine were a fixture of many happy childhood memories. Pauline was constantly surrounded by loving family, all of whom will miss her very much.
Pauline passed away very peacefully on the cold snowy morning of Jan 21, 2024, surrounded by family. We are very grateful for the professional and caring attention provided by the nursing staff over the last weeks of her life
As is clear, it is impossible to summarise Pauline’s life without constant mention of her great love, anchor and companion, Declan. After his passing, she missed him immeasurably. Her great faith that they would meet again was an immense solace to her. Godspeed Mom!
A funeral mass was held at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church in Kincardine, on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, with Father Thomas Manninezhath officiating.
Interment Kincardine Cemetery at a later date.
If so desired, donations in Pauline’s memory to the Society of Saint-Vincent de Paul-St Anthony of Padua Conference, Kincardine or to a charity of your choice, would be appreciated by her family.
Portrait and memorial online at www.daveylinklaterfuneralhome.com.
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