Pauline Nicholas—99 Years Young and Full of Life
New Pond Village resident embodies a life filled with laughter and a touch of mischief, brightening every room she enters.
A Birthday to Remember
Pauline Nicholas rang in her 99th birthday on September 12th with a weekend full of celebration in the community she calls home, New Pond Village. Family and friends stopped by and laughter echoed through her apartment while the buzz of calls, emails and cards poured in.
One of seven children, Pauline delights in her role as the matriarch, surrounded by her three children, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren—all within driving distance and eager to celebrate her. Special lunches, surprise visits and dinners filled the weekend, each moment brimming with joy, teasing and a little mischief, the perfect reflection of Pauline herself: wise, witty and just a little wild.
Pauline’s Royal Celebration
One standout moment for Pauline on her birthday weekend was a dinner with Adam Manchester, Executive Director of New Pond Village. “I told him I was too busy for lunch,” she laughs, “but he could join me for dinner.”
The intimate table of six included Adam and some of Pauline’s close friends. Patti, the Dining Room Manager, made sure everything was flawless—a gorgeous floral centerpiece, fresh flowers and not one but two birthday cakes.
When the servers brought out the candles and everyone sang, Pauline declared, “I felt like the Queen B!” Laughter, joy and her unmistakable energy filled the room—just the way Pauline does every time she’s around.
Life at New Pond Village
Since moving to New Pond Village in April 2016, Pauline has thrived. “This was the best move—even my friends tell me it was the best move,” she says.
She enjoys activities, creative sessions and parties—from floral arranging to painting tutorials—always quick with a joke and full of energy. “Straighten that tablecloth!” she’ll call out, laughter filling the room.
A Life of Connection and Joy
At her West Roxbury home, she was the heart of every gathering, preparing dinners for her husband’s friends while keeping the cocktails flowing. “Who wants a gin martini with olives?” Pauline would call from the kitchen, a wink and a laugh always close behind.
These days, she enjoys the occasional scotch on the rocks, but her love of fun, connection and laughter hasn’t changed.
Her open-door hospitality and infectious humor have left lasting memories with family, friends and even her son’s college buddies. Many still send birthday cards and emails, reminiscing about the joy of visiting “Mrs. Nicholas” and asking, “Why isn’t everyone like her?” Her warmth, generosity and natural gift for bringing people together continue to brighten the lives of everyone around her.
Wisdom and Resilience
Pauline’s life has been marked by service, leadership and giving back. She has volunteered, led organizations and earned awards for her contributions to St. Jude and for veterans.
Pauline credits her long life to savoring the simple pleasures—Mediterranean food, fresh vegetables and, above all, fun. “I don’t do much anymore—I just tell people what to do,” she says with a mischievous grin. “I love good food. I love people. I love parties. I love hosting. I love all the fun stuff—people like to be in a fun house.”
Even at 99, Pauline keeps a keen eye on the little details, affectionately calling herself New Pond Village’s “unofficial quality control.” When asked how her friends would describe her, she throws her head back in laughter: “Whoa, I’d love to know!”
The Queen B’s Advice
During her birthday weekend, Pauline doled out her signature advice to her grandchildren, who affectionately call her “Sitt” (from the Lebanese word for grandmother, pronounced “sit-to”). Leaning in, she said, “Listen, you kids—when I’m gone, don’t cry for me. I’ve had a wonderful life, and I got to do exactly what I wanted to do.” Her guidance to them: “Just be good, be honest and be patient.”
When asked if she follows her own advice—if she’s patient—she bursts into laughter and says emphatically, “Am I patient? No!”
At 99, Pauline Nicholas isn’t just celebrating a birthday, she’s still the life of the party. With laughter, mischief and unstoppable energy, she lights up every room she enters, reminding everyone that life is best lived with joy, humor and a little bit of sparkle.
