Pauline S. Gatsas

Pauline S. (Samara) Gatsas, 95, of Manchester, passed away peacefully at her home on February 5, 2022, with her two sons by her side.

She was born in Manchester on March 31, 1926, the daughter of Eassa and Minerva (Maloney) Samara. Pauline was a lifelong resident of the city.  She worked for many years at the Manchester School Department, with most of her career spent as the secretary of Smyth Road School, where she was loved by staff and students.

She was a lifetime member of St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, where she was active with the Anagenesis Society and the annual Glendi. Pauline was actively involved with the Republican Party, both locally and at the state level. She enjoyed spending summers at her Hampton Beach home where she loved to cook and play cards. She loved attending her sons’ and later in life her grandchildren’s sporting events. She was an avid Red Sox and Patriots Fan, often having her own nicknames for the players.  With her family owning a racehorse stable, Pauline quickly became a racehorse enthusiast and often attended the races with her sons. She was known as ‘Polly’ to her friends, and she had a caring personality, great sense of humor and quick wit. Holidays gave Pauline the opportunity to cook, bake and decorate for the event.

Her main passion in life was always spending time with her family, where she was always the life of the party.  She was the widow of Dr. Louis T. Gatsas who died in 1979. She was also predeceased by five sisters and two brothers.

Family members include two sons, former Manchester Mayor Theodore “Ted” Gatsas, his wife Cassandra; and Michael Gatsas and Susan Lalumiere of Manchester; two grandchildren, Matthew Gatsas, his wife Celia, and Amanda Casey, her husband Dan; five great grandchildren, Calla, Matthew, Adra, Harper and Brody, all of Bedford.

Private funeral services were held at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral and she was laid to rest next to her husband at the Pine Grove Cemetery.  Phaneuf Funeral Homes was in charge of the arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, those that wish may send a donation in Pauline’s memory to St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 650 Hanover St., Manchester NH 03104.  To view an online tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.phaneuf.net.