Pauline M. Hamel

Pauline “Pauly” (Szarek) Hamel, 93, of Manchester, passed away peacefully at home on June 5, 2025 after a brief illness.

Born in Manchester on October 28, 1931 to the late Stanley and Yvonne (Lambert) Szarek, she was a Bedford native and a lifelong resident of Manchester. A graduate of West High, Pauly earned an associate’s degree from Mount Ida College in Newton, MA.

She was predeceased by her very loving husband of 67 years, Robert F. Hamel, in 2020.They were very fortunate to indulge in her earlier passion for skiing at Waterville Valley, the ocean and beach at Hampton, Bermuda, and Captiva and her penchant for worldwide travel.

She was involved with many civic and philanthropic activities in support of her husband as well her own including the Swift Water Girl Scout Council, Manchester Garden Club and a long time member of Sudden Pitch and Algonquin Tennis Club. A volunteer at the Elliot Hospital, Pauly was a past president of both the Junior and Senior Associates. Named to the Elliot’s Board of Trustees, she served for twenty years and was the pivotal force in bringing hospice care to the hospital - one of the first in the nation at that time. She and her husband were also instrumental in establishing the inter-denominational chapel at the Elliot. Formally lauded by then Governor Judd Gregg, Pauly was selected as one of NH’s Outstanding Women for her efforts to improve the quality of care at the Elliot.

In addition to her husband she was predeceased by their son, Robert F. Hamel, Jr. and a brother, Robert Szarek.

Pauly is survived by two daughters, Susan Hamel Crowley and her husband, Kevin, and Cynthia Hamel; four grandchildren, Molly Driver, Buddy McQuade, Elizabeth Crowley and Sara Crowley; seven great grandchildren, Marie, Scott, Rebekah, Simon, Collette, Zackary and Audrey; and cousins, nieces and nephews.

SERVICES: There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday (6/18) at 11 a.m. at St. Catherine Church, Webster Street, Manchester. A private burial will be held following the Mass at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Manchester.

Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, Manchester is assisting the family with arrangements.