Pauline Begin Walker

Pauline Begin Walker, 86, passed away on September 18, 2026. Born in 1939, the oldest of six children, Pauline lived her life with humor, independence, and a spirit entirely her own.

You always knew where you stood with Pauline, she never hesitated to share her opinions. She supported herself through hard work in retail and quietly broke the mold of what was expected of women in her generation, proving she was enough for herself and living boldly on her own terms. Though her family by marriage had more than one Pauline Begin—three, in fact—she always made it known, with humor, that she was the first.

Pauline loved the finer things: opera, travel, a good book, and a perfectly mixed drink. She made joy a priority, whether savoring a profiterole at the Courthouse, enjoying a French martini with friends and family, or trying her luck at bingo. She also delighted in small victories, especially card games, and never missed the chance to celebrate beating her brother Armand at rummy 500, even in her later years.

To her nieces and nephews, Pauline was the original “cat lady,” devoted to her many versions of Snoopy across the decades because she simply really liked the name. She spoiled her family, made friends wherever she went, and filled every room with laughter.

Pauline will be remembered as a devoted sister, a loving aunt, and a woman who lived differently, joyfully, and on her own terms.

She was predeceased by her parents, Bernadette and Paul Begin; sisters Janice Begin and Brenda Allyson; brothers Robert Begin and Edgar Begin; and her niece Sharon VanderPloeg. She is survived by her brother Armand and his wife Pauline Begin, her brother Edgar's wife Pauline Begin, and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Newport Thrift Shop or Richard’s Free Library. A private burial will be held for the family.

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