Pauline Dufour

Pauline (Milot) Dufour, 95, a resident of Brookdale Sakonnet Bay, Tiverton and formerly of Fall River, passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. She was the wife of the late Robert A. Dufour, D.M.D. 

Pauline was widowed very early in her marriage due to her husband's cancer. She was only 37 years, left with 2 children ages 7 and 5 to raise on her own. Pauline always was spiritually strong, very religious and dedicated to sharing her active Catholic faith with her children and others. Pauline is a Marion medal recipient, honored at a special Mass held at St. Mary's Cathedral in Fall River.

Her remarkable legacy includes a distinguished career as a faculty member in the music department at UMass Dartmouth from 1968 to 1972, where she inspired countless students through her passion for music.

She worked full time until age 75 years! She absolutely loved teaching and developing fine talent with her students. She gave the gift of music & piano lessons to all of her grandchildren, supporting their lessons as young as kindergarten throughout their high school years. She would frequently visit our family in Maryland to celebrate birthdays, holidays, graduations, piano recitals or just to say "Hi". She never missed a sacrament for each of her grandchildren, whether it was Baptism, Holy Communion, or Confirmation. Pauline traveled to 7 countries aboard in Europe with her daughter, as well as family trips within the United States. She served home- cooked delicious meals, grilled for summer parties among friends and relatives.

Pauline was more than just an educator; she was a dedicated advocate for the arts. Her extensive private teaching enriched the lives of many aspiring musicians, fostering a love for music that transcended the classroom. She served as an educator for the Massachusetts Music Teachers Association, the Rhode Island Federation of Music, and the Schubert Club of Providence, Rhode Island, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the growth and appreciation of music across the region. Additionally, Pauline contributed her talents as a choir director and organist at St. Louis de France Church in Swansea.

Her musical education laid a strong foundation for her illustrious career. Pauline graduated from Jesus Mary Academy and earned a Bachelor of Music degree in applied piano from Boston University. Her training included mentorship under distinguished instructors such as Raymond Havens, Louis Cornell, and Gladys Ondricek. At just 13 years of age, she made her debut performing Beethoven's Concerto No. 1 in G Major with the Fall River Symphony, a testament to her exceptional talent.

Throughout her life, Pauline continued to captivate audiences with her performances. Notably, she played in Symphony Hall under the direction of Arthur Fiedler during a 50-piano concert in 1967, an experience that highlighted her remarkable skill and dedication to her art. She also performed the Poulenc Concerto in D Minor for two pianos with the New Bedford Symphony, further solidifying her reputation as a pianist of notable acclaim. In 1982, she had the honor of performing Saint-Saëns’ Second Piano Concerto in G Minor with the Fall River Symphony. Pauline leaves a son, Donald J. Dufour, D.D.S. his wife Judy and a daughter, Claudette Forczyk, RN, her husband Robert; six grandchildren, Deannedre Dufour, Julienne Dufour (husband Jonathan Tully), Dominique Davis (husband Ryan), Klarysa Crape (husband Alex), Andrei Forczyk and Erik Forczyk; three great-grandchildren, Eustace, Esther and Euphemia.

May Pauline's soul rest in the peaceful loving hands of Jesus and Mary whom my mother adored and prayerfully served.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Funeral Mass of Christian Burial, on Saturday, August 16, at 10:00 AM at St. Louis de France Church, 56 Buffington St. Swansea, MA. Burial will be private.