With profound sadness we announce the passing of Pauline A. Dion, our loving and devoted mother and friend to all whose lives she touched. She passed away on September 15, 2023 at 90 years old.

Pauline was born March 23, 1933 in Fall River, MA to the late Malcolm and Alice Ratte. She graduated B.M.C. Durfee High School in 1951 and went on to attend Union Hospital School of Nursing, where she earned a diploma in nursing.

She was married for 25 years to J. Raymond Dion, and together they raised 5 children in Bedford. She was the beloved mother of Jeanne Hoskins of New Durham NH, Kathy Mercurio and husband Mike of Rindge NH, Cindy Deptula and husband Ken of Litchfield NH, Paul Dion and wife Kathy of Tampa FL, and Peter Dion and wife Amy of Billerica MA. She was the proud and loving Memere of Kristy, Brian, Mike, Hannah, Alana, Allie, and Jeremy, and Great-Memere of Cam. She was the loving sister of Shirley Luongo of Fall River MA and was an auntie who loved her many nieces, nephews, and their children tremendously.

Pauline lived a full life. She was an avid figure skater who taught generations of students at Belisle Skating Rink in Bedford. She ice danced with her teacher and skating partner Steven for many years until she finally hung up her skates at age 82.

She toned her nursing skills in several areas before settling in at the Rivercrest & Deaconess in Concord, MA, where she eventually retired as Director of Nursing.

Pauline loved the theater, ballet, opera, and Irish music. She loved the holidays and any excuse to get together with family or friends. She was active at the senior centers in both Bedford and Billerica and enjoyed her many friends at both. She was a member of the "Liberty Belles", a group of dear friends who met for lunch each week and you may have seen her waving from the COA float during Bedford Day.

She was generous with her time and was the first to help anyone at any time. Her formal volunteerism included hospice care, nursing at Camp Carefree (a camp for children with diabetes), high school sports Team Mom, and animal assisted visits to nursing homes and hospice centers.

Most of all, she loved her family and instilled in her children her strong values that they carry with them. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

Please join us as we celebrate her life on Monday, September 25th from 9 – 11am in Shawsheen Funeral Home; a Catholic service will be held there at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, invite someone who is alone to one of your holiday celebrations, spread some kindness, reach out to a friend, have an adventure, and think of our Mom. She would love that.