Paulina Domenica (Megale) Beard Obituary (1925 - 2016)

Heaven just got a whole lot better. Paulina Domenica Megale Beard ("Nonni") 90, of Seattle, passed away June 22, 2016 at home, surrounded by family. Paulina was born in Coos Bay, Oregon to Italian immigrants Joseph and Domenica Megale on December 25, 1925. She went to high school at Marshfield High in Coos Bay and went on to earn a degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Oregon. Paulina married Thomas Beard on October 22, 1953 and lived in Oregon before settling in Seattle. While raising her six children, Paulina worked full time as a Dental Hygienist until she retired after 52 years at the age of 79. She had such a loyal following of patients that she was deemed "PB Only" as most patients would insist on only seeing her for treatment. Aside from her children, Paulina was most proud of her Italian heritage. At the age of 5, her family moved to Reggio Calabria before permanently moving back to the States when she was 9. She traveled often to visit family in Italy, many times bringing her children along in an effort to keep the families meeting up generation after generation. Paulina enjoyed a stiff Manhattan, traveling, making big Italian dinners for family and friends, and she could play a mean game of gin rummy. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family both near and far. Paulina is survived by her sister Eleanor (Owen) Murphy (Worcester, MA); brother Dr. Joseph Megale, Jr.; daughters Celeste Beard, Mary (Joel) Halpin, Josann Boever, Paulina (Steve) Elliott, and Celine (Stefa) Leigland; son John (Roxanne) Beard; six grandchildren Brigitte Halpin, Thomas Boever, McKinley Beard, Olin Leigland, Finn Leigland, and Tanner Beard; and many loving nieces and nephews. Paulina is preceded in death by her parents, and brother Dr. Domenic Megale. "All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother." Ti amo, Mamma. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Providence Hospice of Seattle and Swedish Palliative Care for their overwhelming support. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Providence Hospice of Seattle. Condolences may be left in Paulina's online guestbook at www.howden-kennedy.com/. Rosary will be held at Holy Rosary Parish, West Seattle on Thursday, June 30th at 5 PM. Funeral service will be held at Holy Rosary Parish, West Seattle on Friday, July 1st at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Holyrood Catholic Cemetery, Shoreline. Celebration of life will be held Friday, July 1st at 5:00 PM at Rainier Golf & Country Club.