It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Pauline Tupper at her home in Dartmouth, N.S., on Monday, November 2, 2009, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 36 years, Jim Tupper, and her children, Lea Van Stolk (Dan), Victoria, B.C.; Mycal Tupper (Kate), London, England; James Tupper (Anne), Los Angeles, California; Krista Tupper (John Payne), Vancouver, B.C.; and Graeme Skip Tupper (Irene), Melbourne, Australia. She was a beloved “Nana” to Ali, Jasmine, Bailey, Vincent, Atlas and Stella.
She is survived by her sister, Jacqueline Moore (Ron), Charlottetown, P.E.I.; her sisters-in-law, Joyce Dillman (Wilfred), and Anne Davison (Kerwin); her brother-in-law, Bruce Tupper (Heather); and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, John and Helen (MacDonald) Cummiskey, Charlottetown; and her parents-in-law, Reverend Borden and Janet Tupper.
Pauline was a member of the Sisters of Saint Martha for 13 years in P.E.I. She earned her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from Saint Dunstan’s University, P.E.I., and her Associateship from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. She was a well-known music teacher and choir director on the Island for many years. She moved to Halifax in 1966 where she began her graduate studies at St. Mary’s University where she obtained her Masters of Arts (Education) degree. Upon completion of her degree she joined the Dartmouth District School Board where she became a well known teacher, principal and administrator. She was the recipient of a Hilroy Fellowship for innovation and excellence in teaching and received the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medallion in 1977 for her contributions to the field of education. She was also awarded a year’s sabbatical leave to study in England at the University of London, where she received an AIE. When she returned she was appointed the director of the Dartmouth Teacher’s Centre. She retired from her very successful and rewarding teaching career in 1992.
During her retirement she was a member of Elder Learners and a dedicated volunteer in the Palliative Care program for the Dartmouth General Hospital. She was a member of St. Thomas More Parish in Dartmouth where she was involved in the church’s education program for marriage preparation and the bereavement support group. In later years she was a member of the Parkinson’s Society of Nova Scotia.
Pauline and Jim and family spent many enjoyable summers at their cottage “Mijikriski” in Savage Harbour, P.E.I., surrounded by her extended family.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, November 4, 2009, at Mattatall Funeral Home from 6-9 p.m. on Portland Street in Dartmouth. The funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas More on Thursday, November 5, at 2 p.m. Family flowers only.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation, Suite 1A1 Sir Charles Tupper Medical Building, 5850 College Street, Halifax, B3H 4H7 (www.dmrf.ca) or to a charity of your choice.
Burial will take place at a later date in Prince Edward Island.

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