Shining Lights of Everyday People

“Not all of us can do great things but we can do small things with great love.”—Mother Teresa

By Joanie Allbee

Pauline Nelson glows with goodness. She is like a pair of mittens on a snowy day and a glass of lemonade in a heatwave.

Mrs. Nelson serves as a Lectern at St. Margaret Parish in Cliftondale Center. She frequents Chestnut Woods Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center at 73 Chestnut St., Saugus, to recite the Rosary to a waiting group. After the Rosary group, she lingers with patients, listening and lifting loneliness.

For decades, Pauline, her husband Eddie (ret. Air Force Veteran) and their three children – Bob, Gary and Wendy – would cheer parades marching by their Central Street home, supporting the Town’s efforts. Wendy , Bob and Gary all have successful careers now and Eddie sadly lost his grasp on life in November of 2022.

“Two words I try to live my life by are acceptance and gratitude,” Pauline said recently.

Pauline used to knit and crochet and now has a card ministry, which envelops free time between walking, exercise classes and family outings. Wendy, who is a flight attendant, often takes her mom’s cards with her on overseas flights to speed delivery to relatives and friends in England.

Pauline loves nurturing plants and flowers and gravitates towards yellows and greens in decor. She is an avid reader and enjoys curling up with a good book. She always has a kind word flowing even in the midst of chaos.