Obituary of Pauline McAfee

Pauline Groomes McAfee, 62, of Reston, VA died peacefully at home on Friday, October 6th after a fierce eleven year battle with cancer. Pauline was born in Sacramento, CA and was raised in Springfield, MA. She attended Cathedral High School in Springfield, MA, and then went on to Northeastern University and Rutgers University where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree.  She also earned a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from George Mason University. Pauline’s passion and life was teaching. She started teaching in Plainfield, NJ, then moved to Boston to teach in the Boston Public School system and most recently retired after twenty five years as a special education teacher at Forest Edge Elementary School in Fairfax County, Virginia.

Pauline was the quintessential optimist. She always saw the best in those around her and consistently looked on the bright side of life. She touched the lives of so many students over the years. She was wholeheartedly dedicated to instilling a love of learning in all of her students.

Pauline cherished time with her family and friends. She considered her friends part of her family. She loved traveling across the country to attend birthdays, graduations, family reunions and holidays with her family. Pauline vacationed for many years on her beloved Martha’s Vineyard, the place that gave her the most peace, pleasure and tranquility. She was forever in search of the island’s best fried clams.  

Pauline is survived by her son, Kaz Andrew McAfee and his wife Alexis (Straiton) McAfee of Fredericksburg, VA,  her daughter Lena Kara McAfee and her partner, John Young, of San Francisco, CA, her grandchildren, Mariah Alexis, Shane Andrew and Carter Anastasia McAfee all of Fredericksburg, VA. She is also survived by her brothers, Paul Groomes, Jr. and his wife Marcia (Lanczynski) of St. Charles, MI, John Groomes and his wife Deborah (Johnson) of Chicopee, MA and David Groomes and his wife, Michele (Miller) of Round Rock, TX. She was predeceased by her parents, Paul Groomes, Sr. and Daisy (Coleman) Groomes and her sisters, Barbara Jean Groomes and Christine Groomes DuBoulay. She also leaves many, many nieces, nephews, cousins and aunts. She was “Auntie”, mother and friend to many. Her chocolate chip cookies were legendary.

SERVICES

Funeral Mass & Memorial Service - 10/13/17

Location & Time: St. Joseph's Catholic Church @11:30am ET

Address: 750 Peachtree St, Herndon, VA 20170

Reception - 10/13/17

Location & Time: Harrison Apts. @1pm - 5pm ET

Address: 1800 Jonathan Way, Reston, VA 20190

Lunch will be catered, feel free to bring a dessert!

Burial Service - 10/18/17

Location & Time: Oak Grove Cemetery @10am ET

426 Bay St, Springfield, MA 01109

DONATIONS

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Forest Edge Elementary School PTA in Pauline’s memory.

Mailing Address: Forest Edge PTA, Att: Treasurer, 1501 Becontree Lane, Reston, VA 20190

ACCOMMODATIONS

The Reston Hyatt, across the street from Harrison Apts, offers a discounted room rate for family members and friends of Harrison Apartment residents. Call 703.709.1234 (ask for Troy Holt). Address: 1800 Presidents St, Reston, VA 20190

PICTURES

Please email pictures of Pauline to Lena McAfee (lena.mcafee@gmail.com)

TRIBUTES

If you would like submit condolences please do so through the online obituary via adamsgreen.com.