Pauline Evelyn Getchell

FALMOUTH – Like her mother before her, Pauline Evelyn Getchell passed peacefully at 95 years on Friday, May 26, Memorial Day weekend with her daughter Deborah and family by her side.

Pauline was born on March 4, 1928 in Corinna, Maine to Winfred J. Murray and Grace E. Giles Murray. She was educated at Hartland Academy. In 1948, Polly married Harry O. Getchell Jr. and the couple moved to New Brunswick, N.J. while Harry was enlisted in the United States Army. After the birth of their daughter, Deborah Ann, the family moved to Long Beach, Calif. It’s there that Pauline began a 40 year career as a dental hygienist with Frank Willery DDS. The Getchell family moved back to their home state of Maine in 1968 settling into a small farm on the Old Gray Rd. in West Cumberland where they raised pigs and chickens and had a huge garden of fruits and vegetables. Pauline continued her career as a dental hygienist in Portland working with Selvin Hirschon DDS and then Gregory Fischer DDS, retiring in 1991.

Pauline was a woman of very strong faith and a proud and active member of the West Cumberland Methodist Church. She served as a Sunday school teacher, Communion Steward, was on numerous committees as well as making fine pies for and working at the church booth at the Cumberland Fair. While Pauline enjoyed gardening, crocheting, knitting, crafts and reading the bible, she gained her most enjoyment being GG to her family including her beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren never missing a family birthday or holiday celebration.

Pauline was predeceased by her parents; her husband; her five brothers, Floyd, Darrell, Kenneth, Mervin and Royce. She is survived by her sister Charlotte Wright of New Hampshire; her daughter Deborah Moynihan, son- in-law, Eric Moynihan; grandchildren Casey Moynihan, Kevin Moynihan (Maggie) and Kelly Wall (Cody); as well as great grandchildren, Novelle, Fox, Skye and Everly; and many nieces and nephews. Pauline also had a large group of close and loyal friends where she lived in retirement at Foreside Estates in Falmouth who will miss her dearly.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., on July 1, at the West Cumberland Methodist Church with a reception in the parish hall to follow. Pauline requested that the dress for her celebration be festive and colorful.