Hudson – Pauline (Hillman) Stucchi, 93, passed away on September 7, 2023, with her loving family by her side. A sweet southern soul, Pauline was born in Pound, Virginia on February 10, 1930, to Carl and Elva (Branham) Hillman. Pauline, a coal-miner’s daughter raised in near poverty, radiated grace and gracious acceptance while recounting memories of her childhood.
As a young adult, while working in Norfolk VA in post-World War II, Pauline met the love of her life, Edward Stucchi, who was stationed there as a Marine. The two married in 1950 and later had two children, Timothy and Theresa (Teri). As a military family of four, they resided in Florida, Hawaii, and North Carolina. After military discharge, their family moved to Framingham and then ultimately settled down in Sherborn Massachusetts near Edward’s family.
Pauline worked at Natick Labs for 25 years as a personnel manager before retiring in 1994. After retirement, she and Edward moved to Mount Dora Florida where they spent their days enjoying the wonderful Florida sunshine. Warmly embraced by the country club community, she was involved in the Red Hat society, visiting Angels, the welcoming committee and was club treasurer. She also enjoyed playing cards while having a glass of her favorite “Southern Red” from a local winery while visiting with friends, her children, and grandchildren. And of course, still a southern girl at heart, Pauline was happy to avoid the harsh New England winters. After Edward’s passing in 2014, Pauline relocated to Hudson, Massachusetts to be close to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She lived in the Westridge Community in Hudson and loved her many new friends.
Pauline was the epitome of grace, love, positivity, and kindness. A picture of poise, Pauline knew the power of going out into the world looking and feeling your best every day. She radiated elegance, even if just going to the grocery store. She was a model of good self-care, always taking the very best care of her overall health – staying active, eating right, and avoiding too much sun. In fact, if you showed up to her house with a sunburn or a tan, you would get reprimanded.
Pauline was a loving mother and “Mamaw”, always doting on her four grandchildren, often going all out hosting Sunday dinners complete with roasted chicken, cornbread, vegetables, and coconut cake. She loved to have her grandchildren sleepover, snuggling them at night, taking them to swim at Farm Pond, and summertime trips to Sunshine Dairy for strawberry shortcake and ice cream. And at the end of every visit, while driving away, you would turn back to see her signature wave as she chased you down the driveway, still waving until you turned the corner. Later in her retirement, Pauline became an expert card player. Even at 93 with limited eyesight, she could beat almost anyone who would dare to challenge her at Canasta or Mahjong.
Pauline was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Edward, her father Carl, mother Elva, stepmother Martha, brother Bill, half-sister Beth Ward Haynie, her longtime friend Carol as well as all her brother and sister in-laws. She is survived by and will be incredibly missed by her son, Timothy Stucchi and his wife, Deborah of Hudson, MA; daughter, Teri (Stucchi) MacMillan and her husband Richard of Squantum, MA; grandson Adam MacMillan and his wife Anna; granddaughter, Amy Candela and her husband Adam, grandson, Peter Stucchi and granddaughter, Miele MacMillan. Pauline’s six beautiful great-grandchildren – Summer, Lilah and Sawyer Candela and Noah, Luke, and Tess MacMillan – will forever be fortunate to have experienced her loving and calming presence firsthand. Mamaw, we love you and we will always be waving.
Pauline will be laid to rest with her husband, Edward, at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne during a private ceremony with family. A celebration of life will be held at Westridge Community House at a later date.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Special Olympics of Massachusetts (http://specialolympics.org/donate). in her name.
The Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home of Hudson assisted with arrangements.
