Pauline M. (MacMillan) Brake

On January 17, 2023, Pauline M. (MacMillan) Brake passed away peacefully in her sleep.  She was 82 years old. 

Pauline was born on April 3rd, 1940, on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada.  She grew up in Port Hood and was the daughter of the late John Dan and Florence (MacIsaac) MacMillan.  She came to the United States in 1957, settling in Waltham where she met her husband, Philip A. Brake.  They married on May 12th, 1962, at Saint Charles Church in Waltham.

One of Pauline’s favorite pastimes was step dancing at the Canadian American Club in Watertown.  Her love of dancing was passed down from her great-grandfather, Allan MacMillan, who was a celebrated highland dancer immigrating from Lochaber, Scotland and opened several dance studios in the Port Hood area.  Generations of MacMillan’s on Dunmore Road in Port Hood are known throughout the region as ‘The Dancers’. 

Pauline’s other passion was living the MacMillan clan motto, “I learn to aid the unfortunate”, where she was a volunteer for many years at the Meals on Wheels facility in Waltham preparing meals for homebound seniors, and a caregiver to anyone that needed comforting.

In addition to her husband of 60 years, Philip, she leaves her four sons; Gary P. Brake of Dunstable (Lisa), Allan T. Brake (Cindy) of Marietta, Georgia, Paul C. Brake (Rhonda) of Waltham and Phillip D. Brake (Sandra) of Westford.

Pauline also cherished the time spent with her ten grandchildren and one great grandson.  From Massachusetts, they are Michelle Brake, Daniel Brake, Kyle Brake, Trevor Brake, Danielle Brake, Jeffrey Brake, and Jason Brake.  From Georgia, Abby Brake and Andrew Brake; and from North Carolina, Troy Brake (Kaitlin) and their son Jackson Brake.

She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

In addition, Pauline leaves behind her living siblings, Loretta (MacMillan) Bauer of Michigan, Mary (MacMillan) Kennedy of Ontario, Angus MacMillan (Louise) of Nova Scotia, Donald MacMillan (Jeanie) of Nova Scotia and Josephine (MacMillan) Ouellette of Ontario.

She now joins her other siblings, Louise MacMillan (1958), Alexander MacMillan (1994), Archie MacMillan (1996), Barbara (MacMillan) MacDonald (2016), and John Francis MacMillan (2018).

Family and friends will honor and remember Pauline's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Monday, January 23^rd from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.

Those wishing to view the broadcast (and recording) of Pauline’s Mass please visit https://my.gather.app/remember/pauline-brake

Memorials in her name may be made to either the Canadian-American Club, 202 Arlington Steet, Watertown, MA 02472 or to Springwell Elder Care Services at https://springwell.com/join-why-give/