Pauline Bingham

Pauline Colette Martha Bingham (nee Byrne) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 2, after a brief illness in her 92nd year. Pauline was born to Peter and Johanna Byrne (nee Flood) in Collooney, County Sligo, Ireland. Pauline is predeceased by Maurice, her husband of 64 years. She is survived by their three children Peter (Carol), Philip (Terisa), and Sharon (Don). She is also survived by her youngest sibling Aidan (Teresa, predeceased) and by her 10 Grandchildren Aidan, Colin, Clare, Connor, Eryn (Shawn), Mason, Andrew (Ashley), Josh (Kayla), Hannah (Austin), and Liam, and five Great Grandchildren Adelyn, Logan, Aubrey, Sawyer, and Declan. Pauline was predeceased by three siblings Gerard (Phyllis), Mae (Vincent), and Eileen (Gerard).

For nearly 40 years, Pauline welcomed many, many babies into the world, first as a nurse and midwife in Belfast, N. Ireland, then North Bay Civic Hospital and finally Ajax Pickering Hospital as a labour and delivery nurse. It seems every mother she supported fondly remembers Pauline for her kindness, caring, and patience. She was a quiet mentor of young nurses and organized retired nurses reunions for many years, including crafting photo albums for the most recently retired with her dear friend Betty Ann Campbell.

Pauline and Maurice enjoyed travelling twice a year to their Madeira Beach, Florida condo, up to North Bay to visit dear friends and home to Ireland and the UK to spend time with family and friends. They were thrilled when his youngest sister, Lindy and husband Jim left Ireland for Canada. The years that followed were filled with special family times together still held dear by their children. They also enjoyed European river cruises and could be found on the dance floor every night. They first danced at a Christmas party for Belfast Hospital employees and Maurice often remarked with a twinkle in his eye that it seemed like Pauline anticipated his every step and it was like they had danced together for years.

Pauline could play any song on the piano without sheet music. Her apple pies, wee scones and soda bread were legendary and greatly enjoyed by family and friends. Truth be told, Pauline didn’t have much time or interest in hobbies as she dedicated her life to lovingly caring for Maurice and their large family. She took great joy and pride in her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.