Pauline McDermott

Pauline M. McDermott, age 82, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2021, at her home. Born in Pottsville, PA, on February 13, 1938, she was the daughter of the late John and Mary Werez Gooley.
Surviving is her husband of 54 years, James F. McDermott, a sister, Regina Salem of Clio, MI; and numerous nieces and nephews, many of whom refer to her as their “second mother”. In addition to her parents, a brother, John Gooley and two sisters, Mary Ware and Dorothy Peltier, preceded her in death.
Pauline has been a major source of strength for her husband throughout their marriage and a singular force for good for friends, family, and those with whom she served in the workplace. Married to her husband James in the base chapel, Hunter AFB, Savannah, Georgia in 1966, they served a full military family career with over a dozen location changes throughout the world and numerous periods of extended separation. She worked full time while also completing her bachelor’s degree at night. After graduation, she taught school and held other responsible positions. For the last 20 years of her career she was a Human Resources Division Chief in the City of Alexandria, VA, where she retired in 2005. She had a special place in her heart for her police, fire, and sanitation workers in the City of Alexandria. Mrs. McDermott had an innate ability to read, understand and help people. She was a member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church and participated in the church’s woman’s group until illness made it impossible. She enjoyed Mahjong, playing Bridge, good-natured gambling, and actively participating in many charities. Above all, she enjoyed being with people and doing the right thing.
Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, January 15, 2021, at 11 AM at St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church, 1095 Church Rd., Orrtanna, PA 17353, where Rev. Dominic DiBiccaro will celebrate. The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 14, 2021, from 6 – 8 PM at Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 333 Falling Spring Rd., Chambersburg, PA, where a Vigil Service will be held at 7:30 PM. Interment will follow the Mass in the Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be expressed on her Book of Memories page at www.geiselfuneralhome.com.