Pauline M. Harrington

Pauline M.  Harrington, 78, of Duxbury, died on November 8, 2018 of bacterial meningitis.  Polly, the loving wife of the late Frederic Harrington and mother of Nathan R. Harrington of Needham, MA, was born on October 29, 1940 in Akron, OH to Charles M. and Catherine M. Olson.  She grew up in Milford CT, attending the Gateway School of New Haven and then graduated from Wellesley College with BA in History in 1962.   Subsequently she graduated with a Masters in Public Administration from Northeastern University and a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School in 1985.   Polly was a Professor of Political Science at Bridgewater State University for over 3 decades where she played key role in founding the Moakley Center. Aside from teaching, Polly enjoyed working as a faculty advisor and an intern supervisor; in addition, she spearheaded the development of a legal studies program at BSU where she served as pre-law advisor.  Polly was also very involved in Duxbury Town Government, serving six years on the Board of Selectmen, as well as terms on the town’s Planning Board and Conservation Committee.  In retirement, Polly co-owned the Wool Basket of Duxbury and taught numerous knitting classes over the years as well as leading several hands-on knitting tours of the Shetland Isles and United Kingdom.  In her final years Polly traveled extensively across Europe.  She is survived by her only child, Nathan Harrington of Needham, MA and his wife Dr. Christine Harrington, and her three grandchildren, Annika, Finn and Kajsa. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 15th at 1 PM at First Parish in Needham, 23 Dedham Ave, Needham. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Kinhaven Music School at 6 Elberta Road, Maplewood, NJ 07040 or MSPCA Angel at 350 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130. 

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