Sister Mary Pauline was born in South Amboy, New Jersey and lived in Parlin. After attending schools staffed by the Sisters of Mercy, she entered the community following graduation from high school. Gifted with musical ability, she pursed degrees from Georgian Court College, (now University) and Catholic University in music, instrumental music, music education and philosophy. She began teaching at St. Paul School in Princeton and moved to Camden Catholic High School 2 years later to further develop its music department. Under her guidance, the music department grew steadily in instrumental, vocal and theatrical excellence over a period of 20 years. Concerts and the annual school musical were events not to be missed, each one surpassing the other. The spirited Irish marching band performed at most sports events and competed many times with other bands for the trophy. The reputation of Camden Catholic grew during her tenure in large part because of the music curriculum and performance excellence. In 2009 she was inducted into Camden Catholic High School's Hall of Fame.

Her talents were not limited to music however. In 1972, she embarked on a career in nursing. With the completion of the requirements of the Nursing Practice Act, she qualified as a Registered Nurse with the degree of Associate in Science. She served in Atlantic City Medical Center, AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Pomona, Westfield Convalescent Center and Straight and Narrow, Paterson. She experienced a great need to serve Individuals, especially the youth and families who were suffering from alcohol and other drug addictions. In 1985, she was named Director of Prevention Services with the Passaic County Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Prevention, Inc. In that role, she directed multiple programs dedicated to education, accessed many persons to treatment and developed a curriculum for training counselors in prevention and treatment work. She continued her education and completed requirements over time and is certified as a National Addiction Counselor II, and certified as a Prevention Specialist. Sister Pauline is also a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor. In her very gradual retirement, she helped another professional to develop Creative Solutions: Strategies for Change where she is now serving on a volunteer basis. Her experience, good judgment, compassion and love for mercy continue to influence her work of prevention. Today, she lives in Clifton still giving of her talent, expertise and good counsel where needed.