Pauline E. Allen

Pauline E. Allen, 95, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025, in Essex, Vermont. Born on January 31, 1930, in Seekonk, Massachusetts, she lived a life marked by intellectual curiosity, artistic passion, and enduring grace.

The daughter of Charles James Dermody and Bertha (Eigner) Dermody, Pauline graduated high school with the class of 1948 and began her early career as a model with Collegewood Models in Providence, Rhode Island. Her elegance and poise were evident from a young age, qualities she carried throughout her life.

After raising her children, Pauline returned to academia with determination and purpose. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in English, followed by a Master of Arts in Teaching, and completed coursework toward her Ph.D. at the University of Rhode Island. Her master’s thesis focused on the nature poetry of Robert Frost, reflecting her deep appreciation for literature and the natural world.

Pauline went on to share her love of language and learning as an educator, teaching in high schools and later as an English instructor at Bryant University. Her students benefited from her sharp intellect, wit, and passion for the written word.

She was married to George E.C. Allen and later to Sidney H. White, both of whom predeceased her. Pauline is survived by her son, Gregory C. Allen; her daughter, Leslie E. Allen Schumacher; and her son-in-law, Neil Schumacher. She was a devoted grandmother to Lea (Schumacher) Coker, Hayley (Schumacher) Wynne, Anna (Schumacher) Manthei, Faith Schumacher, and Elise Schumacher, and a proud great-grandmother to four great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her beloved sister, Elizabeth Enemark of California.

Pauline’s interests were as varied as they were vibrant. She had a lifelong love of the arts—sketching, music, and especially the violin, which she played for many years as a young student. She was an avid traveler with a particular fondness for Europe and had a keen interest in planetariums and astronomy. A loyal fan of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots, she also followed tennis with great enthusiasm.

Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. Pauline was an active member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, where she served on numerous committees and was a member of the Vestry. Her commitment to her church community reflected her generous spirit and sense of service.

Those who knew Pauline remember her as witty, intelligent, and fashionable. She carried herself with dignity and had a flair for writing from an early age, penning comedies, plays, and contributing as a school journalist.

Pauline Dermody Allen leaves behind a legacy of learning, creativity, and resilience. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her. A Funeral Service will be held on October 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St.Luke’s Episcopal Church 99 Pierce Street