Pauline Dower was educated at Sidcot School and Reading College, studying agriculture. She worked in dairy farming and as a shepherd before marrying Architect John Gordon Dower in 1929. The pair had three children. During World War II John contracted tuberculosis, and the family relocated from London to Yorkshire, then to Cambo. After John's death in 1947, Pauline continued his work to establish National Parks, serving on the National Parks Committee. In later life Pauline was awarded the OBE and became a Justice of the Peace.