Pauline Marguerite (Simard) Harvey

Well… if you’re reading this obituary, it must mean that I’m dead.

WOW. It actually happened. I died of complications from Bulbar ALS and also suffered from FOMO– which is why I wrote my own obituary!

My name is Pauline Marguerite Harvey, and I was just 68 years old when I died—far too young. As the saying goes, I “died peacefully while surrounded by loved ones.” And that part is absolutely true. I was deeply loved, comforted, and hugged until my very last breath by my beautiful family on December 17th 2025.

Bulbar ALS—my stupid ALS—quickly took my voice. Not being able to speak meant not being able to say “I love you.” But my ring spoke for me. It read, “I f*ing love you,” which, in my opinion, is an even stronger kind of love.

Losing the ability to speak and eat was one of the hardest parts. No coffee. No snacks. No ordering at Tim Hortons. Not enjoying meals that were lovingly cooked while I was sitting at the table, smiling, pretending my G-tube feedings were just as satisfying as the heaping plates around me. 

Spoiler alert: They WERE NOT!!

Living became an overwhelming daily load. Day after day, I did my very best to shield others from the backstory--the pain, the frustration, the quiet suffering that came with Bulbar ALS. My family and I pushed forward, doing our best to show up with strength and grace for the outside world. It has been a very difficult journey these past months.

I leave behind some truly amazing people—starting with my husband, Steve, whom I adored unconditionally from the very first moment I laid eyes on him. Steve and I did everything together. We lived together, worked together, laughed together, and built a life side by side. We rode our motorcycles, chased adventures, and eventually became grandparents—always as a team. Our marriage was really good and wildly fun. We agreed I was an “A” wife and he was a “B+” husband (no hard feelings Steve haha), giving us a solid “A-” overall—which is pretty impressive for 37 years together.

I was blessed with a wonderful family and incredible friend--the very best part of my life. These people filled my heart beyond capacity.

My daughters, Nicole (James Moseby) Bolduc, and Sabryna (Robert Hamilton) Harvey, my son Steven (Stephanie) Harvey II, and my goddaughter Jenny (Jeff) White, each of whom were my lifelong support systems. Along with my grandchildren Connor, Charlotte, Arthur, Kirei, Erin, and Avery, I loved all of them deeply. Surviving me are my remaining siblings Alice (Jack) Raymond, Pat (Ana) Simard, and Marie (Pete) Blanchette, predeceased by my youngest sister Shirley Simard, and my eldest son Tadd Harvey. I was also blessed with dear cousins, wonderful nieces and nephews, and people who have walked into my life over the years– family by choice, all of whom I held close to my heart (you know who you are).

Now, briefly sticking to formality for a moment: I was born October 5, 1957, in Alma, Quebec. Life took me from New Hampshire to Vermont, then Calgary, Alberta, Ohio, and finally to my lake house in Indiana.

My favorite pastime was being with family and friends--which explains why I suffered from FOMO so severely. I adored fun, travel, and adventure anytime, anywhere. No matter what I was doing, I found joy in it. I loved music—and I loved it even more when it was played loud. Really loud. Music filled my home, my car, my motorcycle, and my soul. I was always happiest with a strong beat, dancing whenever the moment allowed, whether anyone else joined me or not. If there was music playing, chances are I was moving to it. I also loved feeding the birds on our lake front porch. I was genuinely happy to my core. Overall, I think I was a pretty nice person who tried to think of others before myself– maybe at times to a fault.

So, to my earthly existence, I say au revoir. It truly was an amazing ride while it lasted. We really did have fun.

A celebration of life will be held at our lake house in the spring of 2026— a place that was always food for my soul. If you didn’t treat me well while I was alive, don’t bother coming, positive people only please!