Pauline Acres

BROUGHTON, Pauline

(nee Acres)

Born and raised in Ottawa, Pauline was the daughter of the late G.B. (Benny) Acres, auctioneer, and Elsie Acres, teacher. Pauline's children, Rox (Marty), Cabot (Moyra), Sheila (Dave) and grandchildren, Eric and Tony miss the vibrant person she was.

Pauline had a full life and was a beautiful, caring, compassionate, generous person who encouraged everyone to live to their full potential.

Music was a big part of her life. She was an adept pianist achieving Royal Conservatory of Music Grade 10 at the age of 18. Pauline loved the church choirs and attending concerts at Cathedral Arts and the NAC. Playing and listening to music clearly gave her peace and enjoyment in her later years.

She won a scholarship to attend Guelph and was a home economics graduate from University of Toronto, and an alumni member of Mac ’58. While at Guelph, she met her husband, Eric, and they moved to Manitoba, Wisconsin and Iowa prior to returning to Ottawa.

Following Teachers’ College in 1971-72, Pauline shared her many skills with students in Stittsville, Lakeview, Fitzroy Centennial, Katimavik and Sir Winston Churchill. We remember her time as a family studies teacher as some of her favourite teaching years, later she taught English as a Second Language. In a cruel twist of fate, Alzheimer’s took her ability to speak very early in the progression of the disease.

Together Pauline and Eric built and learned to sail on a Snipe. Pauline quickly found she had a natural talent and passion for helming. For many years summer weekends were spent enjoying the wind and the water as she tried to catch the next boat ahead. In winters, she loved both skiing and skating. She won several trophies while seconding at curling and a few while swinging her golf clubs. Her friends helped her continue to participate in these activities as her disease progressed into its more debilitating stages and we thank them for this.

Pauline had haute couture sewing skills and after a lifetime of making her own clothes moved into knitting and eventually quilting. She donated many quilts and other handwork for church fundraisers.

She was extremely artistic and was known in her neighborhood for the Christmas scenes she painted on the front windows of the family home. She was talented at drawing and creating enamel artwork and jewelry.

An absolutely amazing cook and baker including the best carrot cake on the planet, unbelievable blueberry pie and lemon souffle.

Pauline enjoyed traveling and was interested in learning about our country and culture and following retirement enjoyed traveling with friends and taking Elderhostel trips. A highlight of her life was a working trip to Thailand to share knowledge and help write home economics curricula.

Her actions in life reflected her spirituality and moral compass. Pauline participated fully in her church – "her second family" – and loved and supported the Christ Church Cathedral music program.

An extra special thanks to her many caregivers and friends who helped Pauline and her family, through the terrible ravages of Alzheimer’s. You provided love, care and compassion to make her more comfortable during this incredibly long and challenging journey.

A celebration of Pauline’s life will be held at Christ Church Cathedral on June 19, 2015 from 3:30 to 5:30 pm. In memorandum donations may be made to Christ Church Cathedral music program or the Alzheimer Society of Canada.