JACKSONVILLE, Fla. and MACHIAS – Pauline “Poppy” (Longfellow) Browne, wife of 58 years to the late Henry J. Browne, passed away Sept. 1, 2005, in Jacksonville, Fla. surrounded by her family. Pauline Marie Longfellow was born Oct. 5, 1922 in Machias, the daughter of the late Marguerite and Thomas A. Longfellow. She was quite an active member of the Class of 1940 of Machias High School. Poppy was vice president of the Glee Club, a cheerleader and the captain of the Magazine committee. Just after graduation, she and Henry were married. They met while Henry was stationed nearby with the U.S. Coast Guard. They were married and lived in Revere, Mass., for more than 40 years. After retiring from New England Telephone and Telegraph, where she was a telephone operator for more than 35 years, Poppy and Henry moved back to Machias. Poppy was very active in her hometown. She paid visits to those friends, new and old, at Marshall Health Care Facility and was a member of the Machiasport Historical Society. Poppy was a member of the Holy Name Catholic Church, participating in the ladies guild, church suppers and yard sales. In November 2004, Poppy moved with her son and daughter-in-law, Danny and Linda Browne and Linda’s parents, Dante and Gladys Ginnetti, to Jacksonville, Fla., to be with grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Although leaving many dear friends in Machias was difficult for Poppy, she truly enjoyed being with her family. Her great-grandchildren enjoyed her secret treats of gum or licorice and their Saturday allowance of $5.00 each. Poppy is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Danny and Linda Browne of Jacksonville, Fla., formerly of Revere, Mass.; a sister, Katherine Wall of Riverview, Fla.; grandchildren, Daniel L. Browne Jr. and his loving companion, Maureen McGuire of Melrose, Mass., and Kathleen Browne Gatto and her husband, Jay, of Jacksonville, Fla.; and four great-grandchildren, Jake, Dillon, Kate and Connor Gatto, whom she was affectionately referred to as “Great Nana.” She was predeceased by two brothers, Dan Longfellow of Machias and Thomas A. Longfellow and his wife, Nancy of Farmingdale; and stepfather, Arden McEacharn. Poppy’s passing will leave an empty hole in the hearts of her family, her adored nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews as well as her many longtime friends from Machias, True Street, Revere and New England Telephone and Telegraph. Poppy will be returning home to Machias to be buried with her husband at the Longfellow Family Cemetery. Danny, Linda, Kathleen and Daniel will be receiving friends 4-7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 5, 2005, at Bragdon-Kelley-Campbell Funeral Home, 6 Cooper St., Machias. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, at the Holy Name Catholic Church, 11 Free St., with the Fr. Mark Nolette presiding. Donations may be sent in memory of Pauline to Hospice of North Central Florida, 4200 NW 90th Boulevard, Gainesville, FL 32066 and the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 270848, Tampa, FL 33688. Please specify “Disaster Relief Fund in memory of Pauline L. Browne.” A memorial register is available on line at legacy.com.
PAULINE ‘POPPY’ (LONGFELLOW) BROWNE
