Pauline C. “Paula” Caouette 1929-2026
Pauline Catherine “Paula” (Sak) Caouette passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 22, surrounded by her loving family. Paula was born on November 3, 1929, in Greenfield, Massachusetts, to Peter and Stella Sak. She grew up with her three brothers, Chester P. Sak, Peter J. Sak, and John R. Sak, all of whom predeceased her. Her family made their home on Conway Street after losing their family home during the Great Depression, an experience that helped shape the strength and resilience Paula carried throughout her life.
After graduating from high school, Paula went to work at the Millers Falls Tool Company. It was during those early years that she met the one true love of her life, Paul Eugene Caouette. They married in 1957 and built a life together, living in Greenfield and Amherst before eventually settling into their lifelong family home in Easthampton.
Together, Paula and Paul raised four children: Anne Marie Caouette (Randy), Angela Jeanne “Angie” Caouette (Dennis), Christopher “Chris” Paul Caouette (Maria), and Cynthia “Cindy” Rose Baptiste (Bob). Their years together were far too few. Paul passed away in 1981 at the young age of 48, leaving Paula to carry on without the love of her life. Though she lived many years after his passing, the love they shared remained an enduring part of her life and of the family they created together.
More than anything, Paula loved her family. She took particular joy in her seven grandchildren: Allison, Cameron, Grace, Sarah, Sam, Kerry, and Courtney, who lovingly knew her simply as “Grammy.” She also leaves her brother-in-law, Damase “Cy” Caouette; several nieces and nephews; and many dear and cherished friends.
Paula found happiness in life's simple and beautiful things. She loved tending the gardens that surrounded her Easthampton home and took great pride in making them beautiful. She delighted in decorating her home for the holidays and creating a warm and welcoming place for her family. She had a special appreciation for reading and writing poetry and loved to reread the many poems her beloved Paul had written for her. She had a wonderful sense of humor and so enjoyed making people laugh.
After raising her children, Paula returned to the workforce and served as Executive Secretary of the Easthampton Chamber of Commerce. She also worked at Smith College in Northampton and, in later years, at the Nashawanuck Gallery and Batchelder Associates. Wherever she worked, Paula brought warmth, dedication, and a genuine interest in the people around her.
Paula’s Catholic faith was a cornerstone of her life. For much of her life, she was a faithful daily Mass communicant. She was a devoted parishioner of Our Lady of the Valley, a member of the OLV Women’s Club, and served on the committee that provided meals for people experiencing homelessness. Her commitment to serving others extended into the wider community as well, including 25 years of volunteer service with the Helping Hand Society. Her faith was not simply something Paula professed; it was something she lived through her devotion to family and her willingness to give of herself.
Paula’s was a life of remarkable strength, faith, humor, and love. She knew tremendous happiness and profound loss, yet continued to embrace life, nurture her family, and practice her faith.
To her children she was Mom. To seven very fortunate grandchildren, she was Grammy. To others she was a sister, aunt, colleague, neighbor, parishioner, volunteer, and treasured friend. Each knew a different part of Paula, but all were blessed by the warmth, humor, faith, and generosity she brought into their lives.
She will be profoundly missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in their hearts.
Calling hours will be held at Boucher – O’Brien Funeral Home, 7 Pleasant St. Easthampton on Thursday November 5th from 5-7PM. Meeting at the funeral home on Friday November 6th for 9AM with a Mass of Cristian burial at 10AM at Our Lady of The Valley Parish in Easthampton followed by her burial in Mater Dolorosa Cemetery Greenfield MA.
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