Pauline (Crilly) McCavick

Pauline (Crilly) McCavick passed away peacefully at Willimansett Center East in Chicopee, MA, on January 31, 2023 at the grand age of 90. Her devoted son Dan was at her side. Pauline was a native of Slane, County Meath, Ireland (The Royal County of Meath and the High Kings of Ireland). She was a citizen of the Republic of Ireland. Back in Ireland, Pauline was employed for a period of time at Slane Castle, working for Lord Henry Mount Charles. She subsequently worked in England before immigrating to the United States in 1954. She set sail from Southampton, England, on August 11, 1954 aboard the ocean liner “The Georgic,” in route to New York. Pauline originally settled in Northampton, MA, where she was employed for the August family. She was also employed as a cook at both Holy Cross Rectory and Saint Patrick’s Church in South Hadley in years past. Pauline lived most of her life in Holyoke, MA. She was an avid walker and was often seen over the years in the Highlands of Holyoke with a beagle in tow and her trusted Shaleigh in hand. She also enjoyed gardening and attending local Irish functions.

Pauline is predeceased by her husband, Peter McCavick, and her siblings in Ireland: Jospeh Crilly, Monica Crilly, Gertrude Pucevicius, Angela Birch, Thomas Crilly, and Nicholas Crilly. As Elizabeth H. R. of the Windors had her corgis, Pauline of the Highlands had her beagles. She is predeceased by her beloved dogs, Dutchess, Megan, and Miss Annabel. She is survived by her son, Daniel McCavick of Holyoke; sister, Nora Nevin of Slane, County Meath, Ireland; brother-in-law, Paul McCavick of Bowling Green, KY, and numerous nieces and nephews. Pauline’s family would like to sincerely thank the staff at Willimansett Center East (where she earned the nickname “Mike Tyson” for her unexpected right hook) for their loving care over the last few years of her life. The family would also like to thank New England Hospice for their care of Pauline.

The funeral will be held on Friday, February 10th at 9:30 am from the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in Our Lady of the Cross Parish Church, Holy Cross Avenue. Burial will follow in Saint Jerome Cemetery. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home prior to the funeral on Friday morning from 8:00 to 9:30 am. Memorial contributions may be made to Kate’s Kitchen, 51 Hamilton Street, Holyoke, MA 01040, or to Homework House, 54 North Summer Street, Holyoke MA 01040.

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