Pauline Barbin

It is with deep sadness that the family of Pauline C. Barbin, 91, announce her peaceful passing on July 14, 2025. Born September 25, 1933, in Berlin, New Hampshire, she was the daughter of Wilfrid and Juliette (Gagnon) Barbin.

Pauline always had her sights set on becoming a nurse anesthetist. She received her diploma from St. Louis Hospital in 1954, certificate from Carney Hospital in 1956, graduated with a Bachelors of Science, magna cum laude, from Thomas College in 1980, and a Master of Education from the University of Maine in 1983. When EMMC started the first school of anesthesia in the state of Maine, Pauline became the first woman chief nurse anesthetist. She worked her way up to become the director of the School of Anesthesia and director of complex surgery. She was instrumental in Maine's anesthesia community, becoming president of the Maine Association of Nurse Anesthetists. She was a member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and their council on accreditation, the Maine Association of Nurse Anesthetists, and the New England Assembly of Nurse Anesthetists. Pauline was the recipient of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists' Helen Lamb Outstanding Education Award, which she called the highlight of her career. She was listed in the Millennium book of Marquis Who's Who of America, honoring her accomplishments.

In later years, Pauline found joy in arts and crafts. She loved travelling, classical music, bird-watching, and flowers.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by brother, Raymond Barbin. She is survived by brother, Lionel Barbin; and sister, Theresa Leblanc; niece, Karen; nephews, Paul, Daniel, Charles, Robert, Marcel, and Andre; great-niece, Sabrina; great-nephews, Etienne, Adrian, and Etienne; as well as her best friend and roommate, Sylvia Durepos, who cared for Pauline in her later years. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Pauline's care team.

Relatives and friends are welcome to call from 9:30am-10:30am Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at the Brewer Chapel of Brookings-Smith, 55 S. Main Street, Brewer. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Teresa's Roman Catholic Church, 425 S. Main Street, Brewer. A reception will follow at High Tide Restaurant, 5 S. Main Street, Brewer. The Rite of Committal will be held at 1pm, Thursday, July 24, 2025 at Holy Family Cemetery, Gorham, New Hampshire.