Pauline Marie Bentley

Pauline Marie (Poirier) Bentley reached her heavenly goal Friday May 31st, dying peacefully at St. Francis Care Center in Bellingham Washington where she was able to reunite with Ernest A. Bentley, her husband of 51 years.

Pauline was born in Lowell, Massachusetts on February 7, 1936, the daughter of the late Leopold Poirier and Yvonne (Cambray) Poirier. In her childhood years she loved ice skating, trips to the beach with her family, and catching the latest musical with her father. In high school she applied her creative energy into directing school plays, participating in musicals, attending beauty school, and modeling. Upon completing high school, Pauline took an administrative assistant job at nearby Fort Devin. She met a young serviceman stationed there from Spokane Washington by the name of Ernest Bentley. After a 6 month courtship they married on August 25 1956 and raced across the country to Earnest’s hometown so he could attend Gonzaga Law School. They began raising their four children.

After some difficult years, Pauline, Ernest and their four children moved to Bellingham Washington in 1969. Pauline spent her remaining years creatively and passionately serving her community in partnership with her husband. They were especially dedicated to their parish, Assumption Catholic Church and school. It was her belief in the importance of the parish school that led her to stand against a decision to close the school for lack of finances in the early 1970’s. With a few friends, she masterminded a successful fundraiser to keep the school open. Because of her efforts, the school still stands today. Later she imagined and chaired an annual 3-day Harvest Festival bringing both new resources for the parish and better connection to the Bellingham community. She also served as religious educator, parish council member, retreat director, eucharistic minister, and spiritual companion. Pauline and her husband also spent many years offering hospitality and support for recovering alcoholics in their family home.

Pauline is survived by her four children Fr. John Francis of San Antonio Texas, Beth Wright of Richmond California, James Bentley of Tacoma Washington, and Cynthia Bentley of Bellingham Washington, her brother Roger Poirier of Fayetteville, Georgia; 4 grandchildren, Sarah Wright of Sacramento California, Therese Bentley of Portland Oregon, William Bentley of Tacoma Washington, and Clare Bentley of Tacoma Washington, and a great granddaughter Sophie Crowley of Sacramento California. The last 4 years of her life she received exceptional care at the St. Francis Care Center of Bellingham Washington.

In addition to her husband, Pauline was predeceased in death by her brothers, Leo, Raymond, Roland, Richard, and George Poirier, and her sisters, Rita Welliver, Jeanne Wagner, and Terry Bedell.

Pauline was cremated with the skillful and compassionate services of The Neptune Society. A funeral service will take place Thursday, June 27th 10:30 a.m. at Assumption Catholic Church in Bellingham Washington and will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. A reception will follow.

https://youtube.com/@assumptionbellingham

In lieu of flowers donations are encouraged to the Assumption School Foundation

https://school.assumption.org/about/school-foundation/

(please mention Pauline Bentley in Memoriam)