SALEM – Mrs. Pauline (Cashman) Bertini, 80, of Salem, beloved wife of the late John A. Bertini, died unexpectedly, Tuesday, February 4th, 2025 at Massachusetts General Hospital with her loving family by her side.

Born in Salem, she was the daughter of the late John "Jack" and Pauline (Grady) Cashman. She was raised and educated in Salem, attending the former Ste. Chretienne Academy in Salem, the former St. Mary's School in Salem and was a graduate of Salem High School, class of 1961. She continued her education at Bay State Academy earning her Associates degree.

Mrs. Bertini began her professional career at Allyn & Bacon Publishing Company of Boston, driving in to work as a young professional woman. Upon her marriage, she focused her life towards her family. Raising her three beloved children and working alongside her husband in the family's 3rd generation restaurant, Bertini's Restaurant in Salem. A restaurateur at heart, she and her husband John were the long-time owner/operators of the Salem landmark. Pauline ran the "front of the house" at Bertini's, greeting each and every guest as they arrived and making sure they were enjoying themselves. She often went from table to table to visit with the patrons and became a staple in the lives of many Salem families as they celebrated momentous occasions or just a night out. Always with a smile. She was a true accommodator and the ultimate host, always carrying herself with dignity and class.

John and Polly were partners in life, love and business. They had a great loving marriage and balanced each other out perfectly. Her dedication to her husband during his illness was just one example of her kindness and devotion to her husband and family. They enjoyed travel together to Las Vegas, Cruises, Disney and Hawaii. Their home became the gathering place for many family events and every holiday. Polly always the ultimate host, she had many pool parties, cookouts and late nights with friends over the years, creating fantastic memories along the way. She loved to laugh and had a lot of "Yuks" with so many.

Active in civic and social circles, Polly was a lifelong resident of the city of Salem. Continually giving of herself so others could have. This was a common theme in her life. She regularly put others before herself. But that didn't mean she was a shrinking violet. She advocated fiercely for her children and the causes she believed in, always with dignity and kindness in her heart. She was active in the 1990's as a member of the Salem High School Basketball Booster programs and rarely turned down a sports team or community group that came for a donation.

She was happiest surrounded by those she cared for and went out of her way to attend her children's and grandchildren's life events. Always dressed just so, with a smile on her face.

Pauline left an indelible mark on all of those she interacted with and her life is a true example of giving, hard work and kindness that her children follow today. She will be forever missed.

Pauline is survived by her children, Andrea Bertini and her wife, Diana Schwartz of Northampton, Jessica Bertini and her husband, Robert Buxton of Bedford, NH and John Bertini and his wife, Jessica of Salem, her grandchildren, Charlie and Joseph Bertini, Anna and Nora Buxton and Juliette and Olivia Bertini, her siblings, Clara Cowan and her husband, Edward of Jacksonville, Fl, Jody Avila and her husband, Chris of Stillwater, ME, Jack Cashman and his wife, Betty of Hampden, ME, Catherine Cashman and her companion, Richard Coulombe of Old Town, ME and David Cashman and his wife, Karen of Bangor, ME, several nieces, nephews, many dear friends and the legions of employees, whom she treated like family and loved dearly.

ARRANGEMENTS: Her funeral service will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM, Saturday, Feb 15th at 11 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. Burial is private. Visiting hours Friday, Feb 14th from 4 to 7 P.M. Donations to Mass General Hospital, 125 Nashua St., Ste 540, Boston, MA 02114 or to Perkins School for the Blind, 175 North Beacon St., Watertown, MA 02472. Please indicate the gift is in memory of Pauline Bertini.  To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com

Massachusetts General Hospital/Brigham
C/O Development - 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston MA 02114-1101
Web: https://giving.massgeneral.org/how-to-give/

Perkins School for the Blind
175 North Beacon Steet, Watertown MA 02472
Web: https://www.perkins.org/get-involved/

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