Pauline Richardson

Pauline Violet Richardson (nee Sowman) born March 15, 1929 passed away with family by her side at the Pines Long Term Care Home on April 6, 2022 in her 94th year.

She leaves behind her sons Jim (Lorie), Dave (Terry), Mike (Robin) and daughter Lori (Grant).  She loved her grandchildren Kristen, Kenzie, Owen, Candice and Tyler, and was fortunate to have two great grandchildren Kalyn and Karissa.   She also leaves behind brother James Sowman.  She was predeceased by her father Archie Sowman and mother Ethel Colson Sowman as well as siblings Grace and Archie.

Pauline was born in Niagara Falls later relocating to Bracebridge.  She attended Muskoka Falls PS and later Bracebridge HS.  One of her favourite stories was telling everyone the snow was so high that she could cross county ski over the fences from her home on Muskoka Beach Road to school.  She loved music, often getting caught by my dad pretending she was the conductor of the orchestra when a lively tune would play.  She loved listening to her Rudy Meeks CD and would recount the times his fiddle music would drift up the road to their farm from his.  She passed peacefully listening to his music.

It was in Bracebridge that she met her soon to be husband Edward Richardson.  They were married on April 29, 1949 and were together 66 years.  They made their home in Toronto living for the most part on the Queensway.  Although, Dad was the one on every committee and coached many games, it was mom that was the one quietly supporting the household.  She had children in the home for over 40 years.  Prior to marriage mom worked at the Birds Mill in Bracebridge.  In Toronto she held jobs at TD bank and Canadian Tire.  When mom and dad relocated back to Bracebridge to Andrea Drive she worked for the Red Cross and the Salvation Army Thrift Store.

Mom was always involved with the church.  She was a member of Queensway Baptist Church and later the Pinegrove Church and then the New Hope Free Methodist Church.  She was involved for many years with both the local Home League and the ladies’ group of the Salvation Army.  She was also involved in the Bracebridge Fall Fair and would sponsor some of the Junior fair participants.  She was always especially proud to enter the “years gone by” at the fall fair – she definitely kept enough items in the house to find anything in any category 50 years plus.

She will be missed by her supportive and long-time friends Frieda and Ruby.   A special thanks to her good friend Etta.  Etta, an Andrea Drive neighbour, helped welcome Mom into James Street Place and later The Pines.  We would be remiss not to mention Peter and Brenda who were so very kind to both Mom and Dad for so many years helping them remain in their beloved Andrea Drive neighbourhood.

Mom’s last few years at the Pines were filled with love from so many staff but especially Lisa who we can’t thank enough.  I am sure mom’s presence at The Pines will be missed “walking the block” and keeping everyone in order.  I often told her she needed to apply for a job.  Everyone should be comforted to know Mom will have pj’s on as part of her departing outfit to keep her warm.

Thank you to Dr. Drohomyrecky and staff and the Alzhiemers Society for all of the support over the years.

In memory of Pauline, donations to the Pines Support Committee or the Alzheimers Society of Muskoka would be greatly appreciated.  As a tribute, consider a small act of kindness in her honour.

A graveside service will be planned at a later date.