Pauline Faye Barton

MILTON, VT- Pauline Faye Barton, 71, a proud, lifelong resident of Milton passed away on February 19th, 2023, after her courageous battle with Leptomeningeal disease. During her final weeks, she was surrounded by love, not only from her family, but also from the incredible staff at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester.

On October 18th, 1951, Pauline was the very first baby born at the Kerbs Memorial Hospital in St. Albans. She was the first daughter to the late Arnold Rivers and Eunice (Gaudette). Becoming the first little sister of her late brother, Arnold "Buster" Rivers (DiAnne), whom she adored. Pauline later became the proud big sister of her treasured younger siblings, Donna Wagner (Bruce) and Michael Rivers (Andrea McDevitt).

By growing up on Rowley's Farm with her family, strong work ethic and family roots were instilled in her at a very young age and were values she carried with her throughout the entirety of her life.

Pauline became the first female mechanic at Sears Automotive in 1981, when being a housewife was no-longer an option. With the experience from being formerly married to a mechanic and race car driver, she used the skills she had acquired to make the best for her and her daughters, Sherry Caldwell (Gary) and Becky Barton. Pauline overcame the doubt that "a woman should not work on a car" and served twenty-five years as a reputable ASE-certified mechanic and brake specialist.

After many years of dedicated physical labor, Pauline switched her career path and entered the world of manufacturing at IBM, now, Global Foundries, where she later retired. She worked hard her whole life, working multiple jobs, doing whatever it took to provide for her family.

Although it has been made clear that Pauline worked hard, we should not forget all the fun, memorable times she shared with her friends and family. She always made sure to make the most of the time she had with her friends, her siblings, her nieces and nephews, her two girls, her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Some of her best memories from her younger years included driving around town in her blue TransAm, racing in the Powder Puff division at Catamount, going out dancing with her life-long best friend, sister, and confidant, Donna, roller skating with her girls, Sherry and Becky, cheering on the racers at Thunder Road and simply enjoying the little moments with those closest to her.

As she grew older, she found joy in many more things including spending time at the barn with her horse Zeb, who she would spend hours trail-riding with through the woods of Milton. She loved traveling with her family, going on cruises, visiting the family of her loving, late fiancé, Ollie Miller, and experiencing what life was like outside of her small town.

She was proud of many things, but most importantly, she was proud to be called "Meme" by some of her favorite people- her grandchildren: Tyler LaForce (Valerie Greto), Morgan LaForce (James Bell), Gary Caldwell III, Adriana Cassano; and her great grandchildren: Alyeah LaForce and Ayden Hall. There was not a sports game, a gymkhana, a school concert, a dance recital, or any milestone that Pauline, aka "Meme", missed or was late to. Matter of fact, she would always be sure to be fifteen minutes early to every single event just to be certain she did not miss a thing! Being Meme was a full-time job and she surely put in overtime. She always made sure to be there for her grandchildren every step of the way. She has left a lasting impression on each of their hearts, and they know she will forever help carry them through this life in spirit. 

In Pauline's final years, she enjoyed spending much of her time being outdoors. She loved playing frisbee and walking her favorite boy, Tucker- she had a great love for her animals all through her life and passed that on to her family. She enjoyed tending to her garden and beautiful rose bushes alongside her neighbors that quickly became good friends, having cookouts with friends and family, visiting her sister's camp for a game of cornhole and to enjoy her brother-in-law's famous BBQ, playing basketball with her youngest granddaughter, Adriana, boating, playing bingo, and, of course, watching the Young and the Restless... I guess that last part never changed; she loved her "stories".

Needless to say, Pauline lived a fulfilling life and loved her family with "lots of love". She was known to be one of the most loyal, reliable, selfless people in town. She was loved by so many and will be dearly missed.

This weekend, in honor of Pauline, we invite you to celebrate her by wearing something in her favorite color, blue. Her services will be held at Minor Funeral Home in Milton. Visiting hours will take place on Saturday, February 25th from 4-6pm and the funeral service will be held on Sunday, February 26th at 1pm. 

The committal service will take place on Saturday, June 17th at 2PM in Milton Village Cemetery.