Paulina H. Berman, 88, of Marlborough, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026. Born in Bogata, Colombia, she was the daughter of the late Betsabe Huertas. She was the wife of the late Harvey H. Berman.
In1963 at the age of 25, seeking a better life Paulina left her native country for the United States. Even though she did not know the language, she ventured forth undeterred, and unafraid. The family that sponsored her journey to America helped with placement for work in upstate New York. She was employed as a homecare provider and nanny. She would work for a number of families between 1963 and 1967. Her work ethic was always beyond reproach and the care and compassion she demonstrated in watching over the children she was charged with never wavered. Paulina was also praised for her skills as a cook, taking great care with the preparation of each and every meal.
In her free time Paulina could be found venturing to New York City. She very much enjoyed her freedom and independence. She would save to attend movies and shows which helped her in learning english, a language she was determined to master and did.
In 1967 Paulina would become a naturalized citizen of the United States. She was deeply proud of this accomplishment and of her adopted country. From homecare, Paulina would turn to being a nurse’s aide. She could be found working part time in floral arrangement as well. A skill she picked up at a very young age in her native Columbia.
Paulina would meet her husband to be Harvey while she was working in a local nursing home. Harvey was employed as a union representative and was working to organize the local nursing staff at the time. They would be married in 1969. From upstate New York Paulina and Harvey would move to Massachusetts in 1970. Paulina would give birth to her son Philip in January 1971 and later her daughter Deborah in 1974. In 1976 the family would move from Mattapan to Holliston, where Paulina and Harvey would reside in the same house on Bradford Jay Road until May 2023.
Paulina never stopped working; she was always on the go. She returned to being a nurse’s aid for a brief period, then transitioned to salesperson at Sears in Natick. When retirement failed to suit her she took up employment in the bakery department for Shaw’s Supermarkets. Wherever she was employed she was always commended for her hard work and dedication.
As dedicated to work as she was, Paulina was equally if not more dedicated to her family, especially her children. She loved being a mother and always encouraged and supported them to grow and develop their gifts and talents. She attended every soccer and little league game, ice skating competition and school function.
As a talented and skilled seamstress Paulina designed and created dresses and ice skating outfits for her daughter, a full size holly hobbie doll, and Paddington Bear replica. If you can’t buy it, make it, that was Paulina’s approach to life.
In addition to Paulina’s love of cooking, baking and sewing she deeply enjoyed gardening. She loved to bring a world of color to life. As soon as the winter snow had thawed she could be found preparing her flower beds and lawn for the coming season. She was an active member of the Holliston Senior Center chorus in Holliston. She was an avid walker and runner, and took great pride in the medals and trophies she earned through running. She also enjoyed opera, dancing, and spending time with her family and her dog, Lily.
Paulina is survived by two children, Philip J. Berman and Deborah E. Peak and her husband, Stan Gurczak all of Franklin. She also leaves her grandchild, Ziggy Peak; her sister-in-law, Shirley Jaffe and her close friend, Albie Nudel.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 23rd from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston, 854 Washington St. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com A funeral home service will follow at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Holliston Rail Trail, https://www.hollistontrails.org/donate or to Bay Path Humane Society, https://baypathhumane.org/Paulina H. Berman, 88, of Marlborough, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026. Born in Bogata, Colombia, she was the daughter of the late Betsabe Huertas. She was the wife of the late Harvey H. Berman.
In1963 at the age of 25, seeking a better life Paulina left her native country for the United States. Even though she did not know the language, she ventured forth undeterred, and unafraid. The family that sponsored her journey to America helped with placement for work in upstate New York. She was employed as a homecare provider and nanny. She would work for a number of families between 1963 and 1967. Her work ethic was always beyond reproach and the care and compassion she demonstrated in watching over the children she was charged with never wavered. Paulina was also praised for her skills as a cook, taking great care with the preparation of each and every meal.
In her free time Paulina could be found venturing to New York City. She very much enjoyed her freedom and independence. She would save to attend movies and shows which helped her in learning english, a language she was determined to master and did.
In 1967 Paulina would become a naturalized citizen of the United States. She was deeply proud of this accomplishment and of her adopted country. From homecare, Paulina would turn to being a nurse’s aide. She could be found working part time in floral arrangement as well. A skill she picked up at a very young age in her native Columbia.
Paulina would meet her husband to be Harvey while she was working in a local nursing home. Harvey was employed as a union representative and was working to organize the local nursing staff at the time. They would be married in 1969. From upstate New York Paulina and Harvey would move to Massachusetts in 1970. Paulina would give birth to her son Philip in January 1971 and later her daughter Deborah in 1974. In 1976 the family would move from Mattapan to Holliston, where Paulina and Harvey would reside in the same house on Bradford Jay Road until May 2023.
Paulina never stopped working; she was always on the go. She returned to being a nurse’s aid for a brief period, then transitioned to salesperson at Sears in Natick. When retirement failed to suit her she took up employment in the bakery department for Shaw’s Supermarkets. Wherever she was employed she was always commended for her hard work and dedication.
As dedicated to work as she was, Paulina was equally if not more dedicated to her family, especially her children. She loved being a mother and always encouraged and supported them to grow and develop their gifts and talents. She attended every soccer and little league game, ice skating competition and school function.
As a talented and skilled seamstress Paulina designed and created dresses and ice skating outfits for her daughter, a full size holly hobbie doll, and Paddington Bear replica. If you can’t buy it, make it, that was Paulina’s approach to life.
In addition to Paulina’s love of cooking, baking and sewing she deeply enjoyed gardening. She loved to bring a world of color to life. As soon as the winter snow had thawed she could be found preparing her flower beds and lawn for the coming season. She was an active member of the Holliston Senior Center chorus in Holliston. She was an avid walker and runner, and took great pride in the medals and trophies she earned through running. She also enjoyed opera, dancing, and spending time with her family and her dog, Lily.
Paulina is survived by two children, Philip J. Berman and Deborah E. Peak and her husband, Stan Gurczak all of Franklin. She also leaves her grandchild, Ziggy Peak; her sister-in-law, Shirley Jaffe and her close friend, Albie Nudel.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 23rd from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston, 854 Washington St. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com A funeral home service will follow at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Holliston Rail Trail, https://www.hollistontrails.org/donate or to Bay Path Humane Society, https://baypathhumane.org/
