Pauline Vanderheyden

It's with heavy hearts that our family is announcing the death of Pauline H. VanDerheyden. Pauline died peacefully in her sleep on May 25th, 2025 after a valiant fight with cancer.
Pauline was born in Stamford, CT on October 31st, 1946 to her mother Josephine Ryba/Smith and grew up in the Springdale are of Stamford on Mulberry Street.
Pauline attended community elementary and middle school in Springdale and graduated from J.M. Wright Technical School in 1967 with a degree in Hairdressing. Her lifelong dream was to have and raise a family.
In February of 1968 Pauline married Bill VanDerheyden from New Canaan, CT and they had 2 children. Their son Scott was born in July of 1969 and their daughter Kimberly was born in July of 1970. During the late 60's Pauline's brother-in-law, Brian VanDerheyden from New Canaan was serving in Vietnam as a Marine and she took it upon herself to write to him and send care packages almost daily. This was when she committed to a lifelong respect and appreciation for our countries Military and Veterans Community.
Throughout Pauline's 20's and 30's, she took on jobs that allowed her to bring her children with her in lieu of a full salary. Places like Long Ridge Camp, the Italian Center, the Jewish Community Center and Saint John's Lutheran Church.
Eventually Pauline and Bill divorced, and Pauline returned to the comfort of her mother's home in Springdale to continue raising her 2 children. As her children grew older, Pauline was compelled to move to North Carolina to help her mother who was in her final years.
When her mother passed, Pauline moved back to Connecticut and resided in New Canaan. There she enjoyed the comforts of her children, son in law, Mike Brocoli, daughter in law, Frances Sparrow/VanDerheyden her grandchildren Jesica and Samantha and her 3 great grandchildren, James, Simon and Willow.
Pauline was a devote Christian with a strong belief in God. She spent a lifetime of service and sacrifice for family, Veterans and those in the community who were less fortunate than her. Pauline's angelic personality and her deep devotion to "doing the right thing" and "always pay it forward" permeated with those she knew. Pauline brought love and comfort to the lives she touched, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Pauline will be cremated, and her ashes will be presented to her children. She elected to go peacefully without a formal Christian burial. A memorial and a celebration of life will take place in June/July of 2025.
In lieu of flowers or donations please consider the following – Take a moment and schedule time with someone special in your life, make memories, laugh about the old times, and celebrate the present, because tomorrow isn't promised. That is exactually what Pauline would want for all of you.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas
A special thank you to Thomas M. Gallagher for his care, respect, and assistance with Pauline during this time.
Arrangements have been handled by Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home. To send on-line condolences to the family, please visit www.gallagherfuneralhome.com