Major, Annie Ida 'Pauline'
August 7, 1927 - October 21, 2023
Pauline Major passed away peacefully with family by her side at the Meaford Long Term Care Centre on Saturday, October 21, 2023.
Born in Ancaster Township on August 7, 1927. She was the daughter of the late John Cesar and Elsie (nee Myers).
Predeceased by her beloved husband Albert Richard Major in 1997.
Pauline was the much loved mother of William Major (Ann Kieffer), Elizabeth Park (Wayne), Ruth Major (Marty McAllister), and Margaret Major (Ron Pretli).
She was the proud grandmother of Andrew, Emily (Dustin), Ian, David (Carrisa), Matthew (Olena), Nathan (Holly), Christopher (Stephanie), Colin (Tom), Liam, Nicholas, and Clara.
Pauline was the treasured great-grandmother of Scarlett, Arthur, Jaxson, Kennedy, Blakely, Owen, Calliope, and Brixton.
Predeceased by her brothers, John ‘Jack’ Cesar (late Marjorie) and Lloyd Cesar (late Irene).
Remembered fondly by nephew John Perks (Marlene), Sylvia Major, and by several cousins.
Pauline grew up on farms in Ancaster Township with two brothers in a close-knit extended family. She attended business college and worked in Sun Life in downtown Hamilton before marrying Albert in 1951 and starting a family in Meaford.
Pauline worked at various part-time jobs such as picking apples and washing dishes at the Legion, until she found a position as an office professional at Georgian Bay Secondary School, a job she loved and retired from in 1992.
Pauline was very active in the Meaford United Church, particularly in the choir. She was a proud blood donor and volunteer at Meaford Blood Donor Clinics. She was an original charter member of the Goldenaires choir and thoroughly enjoyed making many years of music and friendships.
Pauline was a very involved grandmother who was generous with her time and treats, especially her continuous supply of homemade muffins. Pauline was very accepting of others and truly loved people. Her door was always open for visits, and she had a special closeness with her neighbours in the Richmond Street area.
Pauline loved all animals, but her golden retriever Taffy was her most devoted companion.
Pauline was always active. She started jogging in her 50s and participated in the Meaford Apple Road Race. She also enjoyed hiking with her family on both the Bruce and Georgian Trails and continued to walk long distances well into old age, even after a Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis, showing her incredible resilience.
Pauline was fiercely independent and lived in her own home until she was in her 90s.
Everyone who knew her will remember Pauline’s beautiful smile, joyful laugh, and generous spirit.
The family is grateful for the kind care Pauline received at the Meaford Long Term Care Centre.
A funeral service at the Meaford United Church will be held Friday, October 27 at 11 o’clock with visitation the hour prior. A private family interment will follow after reception.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to Parkinson Canada or the Meaford Nursing Home Auxillary (cheques only) would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
Details
Make a donation in memory of Annie Ida 'Pauline' Major
Donations: Parkinson Canada or the Meaford Nursing Home Auxiliary (cheques only)Donate with the following link(s)
https://donate.parkinson.ca/site/Donation2?idb=394893561&DONATION_LEVEL_ID_SELECTED=1541&df_id=5682&mfc_pref=T&5682.donation=form1&idb=[[S76:idb]]
Donate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home
Sunday, October 22, 2023
To Pauline’s Family
My condolences to all of you. When I look at the beautiful photo of Pauline I see her joy in life and love of family and friends in her smile and twinkling eyes. You can all take comfort in knowing that she had a life well lived. I worked with Pauline at GBSS and we worshiped together at Meaford United Church. Pauline was always friendly, smiling and efficient. Pauline has left behind a comforting legacy in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Jennifer Dorgelo
Monday, October 23, 2023
Our sincere condolences to all of Pauline’s wonderful family.
The remembrance posted, of your Mom is so accurate in everyway. Everyone should be so blessed to have a “Pauline” in their life.
For over 40 years, Pauline was our most beloved and wonderful neighbour. Our adjoining back yards were home to some of the best times chatting/visiting with Pauline, and Taffy was always invited to come for a friendly visit. To me, Pauline was a mentor, a friend to both laugh and cry with, she was my extra sister/mom and I used her shoulder to lean on a lot. Pauline always treated our kids and grandkids like they were her own, and they adored her and took every opportunity to chat with her when she was “out and about” in the yard or walking past on the sidewalk (and taking shortcuts home through our yard).
Our hearts are sad and heavy, however we are all so very blessed to have had such a wonderful person as Pauline in our life. Because of the insurmountable joy Pauline brought to my family, for so many years, thinking of her will forever make my heart sing.
It brings solace to know she is reunited with her beloved husband “Ab”. Remembering Pauline’s smile will ease our sorrow as we know she will continue to bring joy as she sings with the choir of heavenly angels. God Bless.
Verna & Rick Hindle and Family
Monday, October 23, 2023
My condolences to the family at this time of loss.
Monday, October 23, 2023
What a rich and long life. Pauline was an inspiration to me and I admired her independence and strength. She was loved by, and blessed with, a wonderful family. Keep that lovely smile Pauline and be at rest.
Monday, October 23, 2023
My thoughts are with Pauline’s family at this time, my father was aunt Elsies brother in Copetown, (Graham and Nessie Myers) many wonderful memories growing up with Pauline who lived just 15 minutes in Ancaster from the Myers farm in Copetown. Showers, Xmas party’s, family gatherings at our farm and Aunt Elsie’s and Uncle John’s.
Kept in touch over the years when Pauline and Al moved to Meaford. Pauline was such a beautiful and kind lady and will continue through her children and grandchildren.
God Bless.
Gail Myers
Monday, October 23, 2023
To Bill, Elizabeth, Ruth, Margaret and families,
Janet and I send our sincere sympathies on the passing of your mother. Pauline was a delightful lady. We knew her as a secretary at GBSS, a choir member at Meaford United Church, a member of the Goldenaires and from delivering Meals on Wheels. She was always upbeat and interesting to chat with. May your wonderful memories be a blessing to you at this difficult time.
Monday, October 23, 2023
Bill, Betty, Ruth and Margaret ~
My thoughts are with each of you and your families.
A lovely, kind always smiling woman.
Everyone liked Pauline.
Take care of each other
~ Deb Chapman
Monday, October 23, 2023
My condolences to Bill, Elizabeth, Ruth, Margaret and family she was a great lady with a beautiful smile, enjoy all the good memories
Monday, October 23, 2023
Thinking of you all as you mourn the loss of a dearly loved family member.
The tribute is lovely and Pauline sounds like she was quite the lady.
Cherish you wonderful memories.
Monday, October 23, 2023
Pauline was such a lovely, down to earth person. We always enjoyed meeting her in the street, she always had a big smile and Pauline was always friendly. Our children all commented on what a nice person Grandma Major was.
Lorene Taylor, Quentin Docherty and family
Monday, October 23, 2023
Thinking of Pauline’s family and sending our wishes for peace and comfort. I was lucky enough to meet Pauline at a family picnic several years back. I was taken aback by Pauline’s zest for life, her many activities she spoke about, and mostly her kind and warm demeanor. I’m thankful for chatting with Pauline that day and I know our chat could have lasted into the evening as she was very intelligent, joyful and interesting. A truly wonderful lady. Our most sincere condolences.
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Sending sincere sympathy to Elizabeth, Bill, Ruth and Margaret and families in the passing of Pauline. What a sweet lady- it was such a pleasure to have her come with Ab, Bill and Sylvia to help with the apple harvest and then later to our Farm Market. Pauline always had time for a chat and left with a hug and a smile. We all were so blessed to have had her time with us. Treasure your wonderful memories Isabel Almond & family
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
My condolences to Bill, Elizabeth, Ruth, Margaret, sending my sincere sympathies on the passing of your mother Pauline, my dear cousin.
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
A beautiful soul has gone to a well earned rest . Pauline was such a sweet caring person and I feel blessed to have had her in my life. She always had time to chat and that smile lit up the room. We spent many years together in our church choir and in Goldenaires. Music was very necessary and special to both of us. She loved her family and was so proud of all of you. May cherished memories of your times together bring you peace and comfort.
Marg Lowe
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Pauline’s Family – I was very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was a ‘lady’ and the world was a better place for having her in it! Enjoy your wonderful memories!! Bonnie Hammond
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Our sympathy goes out to all the family Pauline was a wonderful Lady
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
My sincere condolences to all of Pauline’s family. I know you will miss her very much; treasure your memories of her.
Marion Mower
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Condolences to the Major family .. we loved chatting with Ruth on our walks around the block. I know you will miss her. Bob and Sharon
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Sincere sympathy to Pauline’s family. What a sweet lady
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Dear Elizabeth and Wayne, we are so sorry to hear about your dear Mum. I remember walking with you Elizabeth and your Mum with Bella and Georgia on the trail together . Happy times! I also sang with her in the Goldenaires choir . You will miss her so much because you had her in your life for so long . She is still with you in your heart . Love and hugs Carol-Anne and Mark xo
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
My deep sympathy to Bill, Elizabeth, Ruth and Margaret for the loss of your wonderful mother Pauline. She was a kind and unselfish and genuinely friendly to all those she met. Pauline was always a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. We send our deepest sympathies. Love Dan and Helen
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
My sincere condolences to the Major family. My mother, Elva Clarke, has been a friend and neighbour of Pauline and family for over 50 years. I myself have many fond memories playing with Ruth/Margaret as a child, living across from the Majors. Pauline’s smile and spirit were always lovely and I know my mom has so many precious memories about spending time with Pauline. God Bless.
Friday, October 27, 2023
Betty, Bill, Margaret, Ruth & Family,
I am so sorry to hear your Mom passed away. My thoughts are with you at this time.
regards,
Cathy Shakell
Friday, October 27, 2023
We had the tremendous pleasure of teaching with Bill and Anne, Ron and Margaret, and Elizabeth and/or teaching their children or having our children taught by them. Sometimes all three cases applied. We loved chatting with Ruth and Pauline while we walked our dogs. Pauline spread light to all who knew her. Many condolences to Pauline’s family.
Dean and Peggy
Friday, October 27, 2023
Elizabeth, Bill, Margaret, Ruth and families,
We were saddened this morning to hear of Pauline’s death. She was a pleasure to work with at Georgian Bay Secondary School – a warm, friendly, always accommodating and very helpful colleague.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Jack and Linda
Friday, October 27, 2023
Bill, Margaret, Ruth and family.
Pauline was a very special person whose contributions to Georgian, Bay Secondary School, her church, and her community were highly appreciated. I consider it a great honour to have known her and worked with her.
Please accept my deepest sympathies on her death.
Saturday, October 28, 2023
So sorry for your loss. I have very fond memories of her when Ruth and I went to school together. Always felt welcome in her home
Sunday, October 29, 2023
I’m so sorry for my delayed condolences. I wasn’t aware of Pauline’s passing. I remember her from my childhood and seeing her walking around the town years later.
She always had a smile.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time
Monday, October 30, 2023
Alison and I extend our sympathy to the Major family for your loss. Pauline was the first staff member I officially met at GBSS, when she greeted me in the office prior to my job interview. She was always a warm, friendly person. Our thoughts are with you.
Monday, October 30, 2023
We are very sorry for your loss, she will be missed but remembered dearly.
Sincerely, David and Kathy Sled and Family
Monday, October 30, 2023
Dear Margaret and Family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. Such find memories of her.
Friday, November 3, 2023
Ruth, Margaret, Elizabeth & Bill –
I’m so sad to hear this news. Your mom was my second mom and a big part of my growing up. I have many, many happy memories of her, and spending time in your house in Meaford. My thoughts are with all of you. xx
Saturday, November 4, 2023
My sincere condolences to all of Pauline’s family she was such a great woman with a heart of gold talked to her occasionally while walking her pets past high school as well as in school while she was a great asset to staff all take care