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PAULINE MONIQUE STEHR – (NEE BOUCHER)

OCT 22, 1952 - JUNE 5, 2016

It is now almost a year and a half since the passing of my wife, partner and best friend Pauline. Time has moved both quickly and slowly. We do know that life changed forever for myself and our family during Pauline’s courageous 6 month battle with cancer and subsequent passing.

Born and raised in her early years in Beauceville, Quebec, Pauline and her family later moved to Barrie, Ontario. I was married to Pauline for 32 years, we raised our 4 children Jason, Dan, Ben and John mostly in Burlington, Ontario while she flew the skies of the world as a flight attendant for Air Canada, a career that spanned 40 years.

Approaching retirement Pauline was excited about our move to the beautiful District of Muskoka. Pauline’s French-Canadian family heritage included numerous sugarmakers so it was an almost natural fit to produce some maple syrup as a bucket list thing to do later in life.  From a natural forest setting, Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm was developed from the ground up and could not have happened without Pauline’s immense support, determination and energetic pioneering spirit. Our family run maple syrup farm still continues today largely indebted to her incredible dedicated efforts during the conception, birth and early days of Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm.

Pauline’s greatest joy, however, was when she was surrounded by her family especially during long weekends and festive holidays.  Always lots of laughing, fun and of course of great food, while all the while taking a special pride in her 2 grandchildren Charlotte and Isla whom she loved so dearly.  Pauline was always with a welcoming smile, a kind word with a relaxed easy going atmosphere being the order of each and every day.

For those of you that knew her, please think of her from time to time especially when you see someone with a gentle smile, a kind gesture or a natural laugh as these were traits she possessed and demonstrated frequently. Pauline was a sweet and gentle soul.

I am so blessed and grateful for the amount of time that we were afforded together. Etched in my mind are life long memories with many special moments that we shared together; building a life, raising our family and chasing dreams under rainbows, all of which, looking back, gives me a great sense of gladness which is unsurpassed.

Pauline you are so missed each and everyday by your family, friends and all those that you touched in your very unique and special way…you will always be remembered.

Dearest Pauline…with the deepest love in my heart…always.

Tom Stehr