Published in the February 29, 2016 edition.

Sydlowski-webGLOUCESTER — On Friday, Feb. 26, 2016, Pauline N. Sydlowski passed away peacefully surrounded by family. Paula was pre-deceased by her husband Syd, her parents Thomas A. Norris and Margaret L. Ross Norris “Momi-Lou” and brother Larry Norris. Paula is survived by her sisters Peggy Melgard, Merrie Brady; seven children and their spouses: Mark of Amesbury, Matt and Claudine of Gloucester, Peter and Margie of Amesbury, Paul and Carole of Danvers, Meg and Rick McKenna of Danvers, Martha and Jamie DeCecca of Wakefield and Mary Beth and Steve Pichette of Merrimac; 16 grandchildren who include: Mollie, Meaghan, Morgan Sydlowski (father Mark); Kristen, twins Billy and John Sydlowski (father Peter), Kevin and Michael Sydlowski (father Paul); Katie, Meaghan, Liam McKenna (mother Meg); Andrew, twins Ashley and Alex DeCecca (mother Martha); Luc and Sydney Pichette (mother Mary Beth); and seven adored animals: Winston, Bart, Stella, Ichiro, Sarah, Rocky and Socks.

Paula was born in Boston on July 5, 1935 and raised in Milton. She graduated from Stonehill College and was the captain of The Basketball Cheering Squad. She later earned her master’s in English from Boston State College. Paula raised seven children, all born within 10 years. She drove them thousands of miles to and from activities particularly sports and was the team mom for many of them. She was also heavily involved in the Cub Scouts and Catholic Education. She finished her professional career at Middlesex Community College in Lowell working as a Special Educator. The young adults she helped absolutely adored her. Paula retired with husband Syd in Rockport and enjoyed what she loved doing most: spending time with family on and off the beach, attending her grandchildren’s activities, taking care of her favorite dogs Winston and Bart and playing golf at Bass Rocks Golf Club, where she was a Ladies Board of Director Member and Secretary.

Her funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, March 3 at 9:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church, Gloucester. Extended family and friends are cordially invited to attend.

Visiting hours will be held in the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington St., Gloucester on Wednesday from 3 to 8 p.m.

For online condolences, please visit greelyfuneralhome.com.