Pauline Mary Carnahan

Pauline Mary Carnahan, affectionately known as Polly, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2025, at the age of 85, at Queensway Carleton Hospital (ALC) in Ottawa, Ontario, after a long and courageous battle with COPD.

Born on November 26, 1939, in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, to Isaac and Bride Sheppard. Even at an early age Polly’s life was defined by her devotion to family and her siblings: Pamel, Rex. Lonzo, Patsy and Toots.

As a young woman, she worked at a movie theatre and other odd jobs but she was most proud of becoming a spokesperson for Good Luck Margarine and appearing in one of their commercials. Known for her stylish dresses and graceful presence, she was asked to serve tea to Queen Elizabeth II during the 1959 royal visit to Corner Brook.

In 1961, she married the love of her life, George Carnahan, and moved to Halifax, NS. Together they raised three sons: Raymond, Ronnie, and Roger. During the 1960s and 70s, Polly balanced full-time work with the care of her growing boys, always placing family at the heart of her world.

When her children were grown, Polly’s entrepreneurial spirit flourished. She opened and successfully ran Polly’s Convenience Store in Gagetown, NB until her retirement in 1990. For more than two decades, she volunteered with the Lions Club, taking great pleasure in the fellowship and experiences the role provided.

She faced life’s challenges with resilience, including the profound losses of her husband George in 2016 and her son Roger in 2019. In 2022, at 82 she took a leap of courage and moved to Ottawa to be closer to her son Ron and his family. There, she flourished - taking pride and pleasure in making people laugh at the Retirement Residence, shedding tears of joy when she met her great-grandchildren and enjoying the simpler things like playing bingo and finding “diamonds in the rough” at thrift stores.

Polly is survived and will be lovingly remembered by her son Raymond, her son Ron and daughter-in-law Nathaly, her daughter-in-law Brenda, her grandchildren Nick, Thomas, Courtney (David), and Ryan (Megan), and her great‑grandchildren Piper, Ivy, and Oliver.

As per Polly’s wishes, there will be no formal service but a ceremony will be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, next summer, where Polly will be reunited with her husband of 55 years, George.

The photo accompanying this obituary is the youthful portrait Polly cherished most - a reflection of the beauty, vitality and joy she carried throughout her life.