Pauline L. Marchand

Pauline L. Marchand of Chesapeake Beach, VA, gracefully slipped into eternity on March 6, 2025, at Marian Manor Assisted Living in Virginia Beach, reuniting with her beloved Romeo.
A devoted Navy wife, Pauline moved to the Chesapeake Beach (affectionately known as Chic's Beach) area in 1964 with her husband, Romeo, and made it her home for 60 years.
Born on January 25, 1927, in Lowell, MA, to Arline Gagnon and William Beaudry, Pauline was raised in the French-Canadian section of Lowell, where she spoke French fluently and attended Catholic parochial schools. She pursued accounting courses and worked as a stenographer before meeting her soulmate, Romeo Marchand, at a family picnic on the Marchand farm. Their love blossomed through letters exchanged during World War II while Romeo was deployed in the South Pacific. Upon his return, they married on October 5, 1946, beginning a life of adventure together.
As a career Navy wife, Pauline traveled the world, calling places like Newport, RI, Brooklyn, NY, Heidelberg, Germany, and San Miguel, Philippines, home. An outgoing and warmhearted woman, she made lasting friendships wherever she went, creating a network of cherished companions. A devout Catholic, she attended daily Mass and was an original member of the Little Creek Amphibious Base Chapel's Ladies Altar Guild, where she served as president and regularly hosted dinners for Naval chaplains. While in the Philippines, she worked with the Columban Fathers Missions, traveling to remote villages to serve those in need.
After settling in Virginia Beach, Pauline embraced her role as the heart of her community, hosting memorable holiday and backyard gatherings where pork and salmon pies and boiled vegetable dinners were always on the menu. She took great joy in canning fresh vegetables from Romeo's Garden and cherished her winter retreats to Waikiki Beach with family and friends.
Faith was the foundation of Pauline's life. She prayed the rosary daily and never missed Mass, embodying an unwavering devotion to her beliefs. When she lost Romeo in 2012, her faith sustained her, carrying her forward with grace and resilience.
Pauline's legacy is one of love, faith, and friendship. She will be remembered for her boundless kindness, unwavering spirit, and the deep connections she fostered throughout her remarkable journey.
Pauline was predeceased by her three brothers, Robert, Beau, and Donald Beaudry. She is survived by her beloved sister, Alice McCarthy of Manchester, Massachusetts.
She leaves behind her devoted children: Albert "Billy" Marchand and his wife, Victoria; Robert "Bobby" Marchand and his wife, Dana; Peggy Preece and her husband, Robin; and Donald "Donny" Marchand and his wife, Lorraine.
Pauline's greatest joy in life was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who adored her beyond measure. She will be deeply missed by Aimee Bader and her husband, Michael; Sunny Hawkins and her husband, James; Amber Armbrister and her husband, Nick; Jessica Honeycutt and her husband, Chris; Joseph Marchand and his wife, Annie; Robert Marchand and his wife, Ifrah; Stephanie Preece and her fiancé, Daniel Van Hooser; Nicholas Marchand and his wife, Tanya; Christine Preece and her fiancé, James Gumino; and Matthew Marchand.
Her legacy continues through her cherished great-grandchildren: Megan Bader and her fiancé, Ian (Ion) Hammer; Will Hawkins; Emma Armbrister; Honor Hawkins; River Hawkins; and Nolan and Isaac Marchand.
A Mass celebrating Pauline's life and legacy is scheduled for 10:00 AM on April 7, 2025, at Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Virginia Beach, VA. The church is located at 5345 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.
She will be laid to rest alongside the love of her life, Romey, at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Pauline's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.
"A mother's love is eternal, and a Memere's embrace lasts a lifetime. Pauline's love will continue to shine in the hearts of those she cherished, a guiding light for generations to come."