Obituary of Paulette Diane Eldridge

With heavy hearts, we announce the unexpected passing of Paulette Diane “Polly” Eldridge, of Falmouth, at home, on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at the age of 79.  She was born in Windsor on April 23, 1946 to the late Eva Pauline Caldwell (Chambers) and the late Irvin Eugene Shanks.

Paulette lived in Falmouth with husband, Gerald “Jerry” and their kids, Jeff and Greg. In 1980 they decided to move the family to Fort McMurray, Alberta. They spent 20 years there and made many friends they still kept in touch with. They decided to retire at age 55. Jerry retired from Suncor and Paulette retired from Keyano College. They moved back home to Falmouth in 2000. Paulette and Gerald were married February 19, 1966. This past February they celebrated a milestone 60th Wedding Anniversary.

Paulette was a proud mother of two sons, Jeffrey “Jeff” and Gregory “Greg”. She was also proud to be a grandmother of six grandchildren, Ashlie, Darion and Brandt (from her son, Jeff); Addison, Emmeric and Liam (from her son, Greg). Paulette was very proud to be a great grandmother as well to nine great-grandchildren, Michael, Mirrah, Dreyden, Ivan and Rosie, Grey and Clifford, Alaric and Eliana. Paulette’s favourite day every year was Christmas Eve. She loved to have all her family there. 

Paulette is survived by her husband of 60 years, Gerald Richard Eldridge; sons, Jeffrey and Gregory (Marina); six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren, brothers, Dwight, Richard (Joan), Chris and Tim (Jennifer); sisters, Linda and Margie; brother-in-law, Chris Eldridge (Linda); sisters-in-law, Patsy and Evelyn Caldwell; brother-in-law, Kevin O’Leary; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Paulette’s brother, Dwight Caldwell (Evelyn), sadly passed away Thursday, April 16, before posting her obituary. Besides her parents and brother, Paulette was predeceased by infant brothers, Gregory and Stephen Caldwell; brother, David Caldwell; sister-in-law, Lori O’Leary (Eldridge); brothers-in-law, Jack Zwicker and Ron Lake.

Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service. 419 Albert St., Windsor (902) 798-8317. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date and will be announced so that everyone that wishes to attend can arrange to attend. Donations in memory of Paulette may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia, 112-2719 Gladstone St., Halifax, NS B3K 4W6 or a charity of one’s choice. Messages to the family may be sent by visiting: www.demontfuneralhome.ca, open the obituary and click on the condolence tab.