Pauline Ruth (Payne) Pantano, 86, of Salem, NH, formerly of Reading, MA, died peacefully on November 2, 2018.

Everyone who knew Pauline would describe her as a "lovely lady". Throughout her life, she was generous and caring, putting others first and never ceasing to appreciate and share what she had. Even when her memory waned, she always showed gratitude toward everyone who helped her.  A caretaker recently commented that there's a VIP seat waiting for Pauline in heaven.

Born in Bishop's Falls, Newfoundland, Canada, Pauline was one of twelve children to the late Malcolm and Ivy (Stuckless) Payne. She was the only one of nine surviving children to move to the United States and become a US citizen.  Even though she was a US citizen, she was always proud to be a "Newfie", which she literally shouted from the rooftops when she last visited there several years ago. She enjoyed her visits back home and was delighted when family from Canada traveled to visit her this past summer.

Pauline was inseparable from John, her predeceased husband of 58 years. They enjoyed spending many happy times with their family, commuting daily to work together, taking walks, traveling and tending their beautiful gardens on Dana Rd. Pauline was generous and giving to her children and grandchildren, always putting money in their pockets and refusing to let anyone else ever pay the restaurant bill.

Pauline was a dedicated employee for 20 years in the Property Office at MIT Lincoln Laboratory on Hanscom Air Force Base, taking her job home with her every day while striving and achieving her goal of obtaining a staff-level position.

Loving mother of Kenneth and his wife Karen of Windham, NH and Deborah Anderson and her husband Karl of Wilbraham, MA.  She was the grandmother of Christopher Plante, Amanda McDevitt, Robert Pantano, Brian Anderson and Kayla Anderson.  Pauline is also survived by her brother George and his wife Maxine of Norris Arms, Newfoundland, her sister Doreen Jones of Toronto Ontario, and her brother Lester and his wife Evelyn of Bishop's Falls, Newfoundland as well as many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by siblings Lydia, Verna, Arthur, Sadie, Nellie, Dulcie, Ann, and Lillian.

Pauline will be greatly missed and will always be a "lovely lady" to the people who knew her.

Pauline's funeral service and burial are private and there are no visiting hours.    Donations in her memory can be made to the Alzheimer's Association MA/NH Chapter 309 Waverly Oaks Rd. Waltham, MA 02452 or at https://alzfdn.org/support-us/donate/