Pauline M. Croff

Pauline M. (Belliveau) Croff, 99, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Barre, surrounded by her family on September 6, 2024. 

Born in Gardner on July 25, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Auguste D. and Marie L. (Doiron) Belliveau.

Pauline graduated from Gardner High School with the Class of 1943. She was employed by the Military Draft Board for the City of Gardner from 1943 to 1944, then by Florence Stove Co. for nine years. She also worked as a sales clerk at Goodnow-Pearson of Gardner for 17 years, finally retiring in 1987. Pauline was a devoted parishioner of Annunciation Parish in Gardner, where she practiced at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church. She was a member of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary Post 2 of Barre, a life member of the DAV Chapter 70 of Fitchburg, as well as the Barre Golden Agers and the East Brookfield Bowling League. In her younger years, Pauline was an avid bowler and had a deep love for reading and playing piano.

Pauline is survived by her son David H. Croff and his wife Trudy of Barre; her daughter Mary-Lou Ovaska of Ohio; two grandchildren, Thomas C. Croff and Christina D. Foley; six great-grandchildren, Patrick Foley, Mary Foley, Eli Croff, Jaden Ovaska, Sarea Lavalley and Shelby Craycraft; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Donald E. Croff, who passed away in 2011; six sisters, Louise Baker, Florine LaFortune, Juliette Columbus, Sylvia Penski, Clara Manseau, and Helen Cormier; four brothers, Arthur, Robert, Leo, and Roger Belliveau; and two grandchildren, Jennifer and Nicole Ovaska. 

A graveside service will be held Monday, September 23, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion, Barre Post 2, 450 S Barre Road, Barre, MA 01005. Please reference in memory of Pauline M. Croff.