Obituary of Pauline R Harney

Pauline Rose Harney, a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, great grandmother, and long-time Burlington resident, passed away peacefully at home on the evening of Friday, April 4, 2024, at the age of 93.

Born in Somerville, Pauline was the beloved daughter of Stephen and Pauline Kelley, and one of five siblings. She grew up in Dorchester, and after High School she worked in Boston where she met the love of her life, Robert Harney, when they were just teenagers. They married at the young age of 18, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love and joy.

After marriage, Pauline and Robert moved to New Market, NH, where they both worked at McCallen Company. Robert took a position at Polaroid in Waltham, and though the job offered a great opportunity, it meant being apart during the week. Family always came first to Pauline, so she packed up the family and moved to Burlington in 1967, where they settled and both continued their careers at Polaroid until their retirements.

Family was the center of Pauline’s world. She and Robert shared a beautiful life together, filled with love, laughter, and many treasured memories. Pauline was an active member of the Sons of Italy in Burlington. Pauline loved to dance and she & Robert enjoyed spending Saturday nights dancing at the Old Band Box in Billerica, though Robert was never eager to be the first on the dance floor, once they stepped onto the floor together, it was as if they were floating on air, gracefully moving in harmony.

Pauline and Robert loved to travel, with a particular fondness for cruises. They were enthusiastic ambassadors for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and shared countless trips with family. They loved Hawaii & madethe trip three times through the 50 years they were married.

 After Bob’s passing in 2000, a part of Pauline went with him, but her family remained a constant source of love and support. Her children and grandchildren filled her life with joy, and she relished every moment spent with them. As a proud grandmother and then great grandmother, Pauline was lovingly called “GG” by the younger generation, and she was always present for dance recitals, school events, and family celebrations. She adored spoiling her grandchildren with love and gifts, and cherished their sleepovers.

In her later years, Pauline remained active and engaged in the community. She was a cherished member of Scarlet O’Hatters, Burlington’s chapter of the Red Hat Society, and looked forward to their events and luncheons. Pauline also enjoyed the camaraderie of the “Out to Lunch Bunch,” a group of friends who gathered for lunch every Thursday. Every morning, she walked the Burlington Mall with friends, followed by coffee at Au Bon Pain or Café Nero. She loved meeting her Sister in-laws for breakfast on Sunday mornings. Even when her health began to decline, Pauline’s determination never wavered, and she continued to “walk” the mall with the support of her daughter and a wheelchair. The Covid pandemic ended the walking group, but the bonds of friendship remained strong.

 In her quieter moments, Pauline loved to draw and read, particularly enjoying murder mysteries. Her final years presented many challenges, but her family remained by her side, offering unwavering love and care to keep her at home where she felt most comfortable.

Pauline is now at peace, reunited with her beloved husband, Bob, and her son, Bob Jr. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of love, kindness, and devotion will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched.

Pauline was the beloved wife of the late Robert Harney. She was the proud mother of Jean (Harney) Squires & her late husband John “Jack” of Burlington and the late Robert Harney, Jr. She was the proud grandmother of Shawn Squires of Burlington, Stacey Schmidt & her husband Jay of Wake Forest, NC, and Jonathan Harney of NH. She was the great grandmother of Sydney Schmidt and Cameron Schmidt. She was predeceased by her siblings William Kelley, Carl Kelley, Leonard “Bud” Kelley, and June Colville.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Wednesday, April 9 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Malachy Church in St. Veronica Parish, 99 Bedford Street, Burlington at 11:30 a.m. Services will conclude with a burial at Chestnut Hill Cemetery in Burlington. Memorials in Pauline’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net