1937 - 2026
Born in Bogotá, Colombia, she was the daughter of the late Betsabe Huertas and the beloved wife of the late Harvey H. Berman.
At the age of 25, in 1963, Paulina courageously left her native Colombia in search of a better life in the United States. Though she arrived without knowing English, she faced every challenge with determination, independence, and resilience. Sponsored by a family in upstate New York, she began working as a homecare provider and nanny, where her exceptional work ethic, compassion, and nurturing spirit quickly became evident.
Paulina took great pride in caring for others and was especially admired for her cooking, preparing meals with care and love. During her free time, she often ventured into New York City to attend movies and performances, using them as a way to immerse herself in English—a language she was determined to master, and did.
In 1967, Paulina proudly became a naturalized citizen of the United States, an accomplishment she deeply treasured throughout her life.
She later worked as a nurse’s aide and also explored floral arranging, a talent she developed as a young girl in Colombia. Paulina met her future husband, Harvey, while working at a nursing home where he was helping organize local nursing staff as a union representative. They married in 1969 and moved to Massachusetts in 1970.
Together they built a life centered around family. Paulina gave birth to her son Philip in 1971 and daughter Deborah in 1974. In 1976, the family settled in Holliston, where Paulina and Harvey remained in the same home on Bradford Jay Road for nearly five decades.
Paulina was known for her tireless energy and dedication. She worked at Sears in Natick and later in the bakery department at Shaw’s Supermarkets after retirement proved too quiet for her active spirit. Everywhere she worked, she was recognized for her dedication and hard work.
Above all else, Paulina loved being a mother. She encouraged and supported her children in every aspect of their lives, attending countless soccer games, little league games, skating competitions, and school events.
A talented seamstress, she lovingly created dresses, skating costumes, a life-sized Holly Hobbie doll, and even a Paddington Bear replica. Her philosophy was simple: If you can’t buy it, make it.
Paulina also found great joy in cooking, baking, sewing, gardening, and bringing beauty into the world through colorful flowers and carefully tended gardens. She was an active member of the Holliston Senior Center chorus, enjoyed running and walking, and took pride in the medals and trophies she earned over the years. She also loved opera, dancing, spending time with family, and caring for her beloved dog, Lily.
Paulina is survived by her children, Philip J. Berman and Deborah E. Peak and her husband Stan Gurczak, all of Franklin; her cherished grandchild, Ziggy Peak; her sister-in-law, Shirley Jaffe; and her close friend, Albie Nudel.
She will be remembered for her strength, creativity, devotion, and boundless love for her family and community.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 23rd, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Chesmore Funeral Home of 854 Washington Street in Holliston.
A funeral home service will follow at 12:00 PM.
