Mary Louise Polak

Mary was a loving mom, faithful wife, adored grandma, cherished daughter and sister, and awesome mom-in-law. As Mary frequently said, she “led a good life,” and a long one at that.

Mary grew up in a charming home in Stewart Manor, NY, and lived on Long Island for 94 years, prior to moving from her home of 62 years in Mineola, to North Carolina in her final months. Her Dad, Ferdinand Hoelle, was an industrial glass blower and volunteer fireman. Her Mom, Mary Nelson, worked on John Street in lower Manhattan as a stenographer. She and her brother, Ernest AKA Unkie, were 15 months apart in age and had a very special bond. Besides her parents and brother, she was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Herbert, in 2011, and her son Ernest, in 2022. She is survived by daughters Juliette Polak (Chuck Simmons) of Harpswell, Maine, and Amy Duffner (Bradley) of Mocksville, NC, as well as grandchildren Zane of Apex, NC, and Jillian of Durham, NC.

She graduated from Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park and had both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Adelphi College (now University), with a major in education.

During her high school years, she became active in vocal ensembles and took private voice lessons. Mary had a lovely soprano voice, which served her well for many years. She participated in Tanglewood in Massachusetts under the direction of Leonard Bernstein one summer, was a member of the Long Island Choral Society for more than forty years (at times as the featured soloist), had the opportunity to sing in Carnegie Hall (as well as other well-known locations), and was a paid singer for weddings, funerals, church and temple services.

Growing up she spent her summers at various camps, later becoming part of the staff at Camp Yorkville in Bear Mountain. She spoke fondly about her experiences there and her time as a swim instructor. Camp Yorkville was also the basis of her graduate thesis.

Mary taught elementary music in the Farmingdale School District for several years, prior to the arrival of her children. She then became a stay-at-home mom for the duration of their school years, subsequently working as a substitute teacher (bless her heart!). 

Mary and Herbert liked to travel. Tent camping (the real thing), weekends with the PT Boaters, and travel abroad on the QE2 were some of their adventures. When the children were younger, the family traveled cross country twice and across the Trans Continental Highway in Canada, took several trips to the Adirondacks, and a special trip to Holland in celebration of Herbert’s parent’s 50^th wedding anniversary. It seems the travel gene was passed down, as all three children have had amazing trips as adults. In addition to distant travels, Mary frequented Manhattan by train for visits to The Met, Broadway, museums, art galleries, The High Line, special exhibits (like the annual flower show at Macy’s) and more. She did this on her own well into her 80s.

Mary had many hobbies. She loved to garden and could knit beautiful sweaters and Afghans. Her preferred modes of transportation were walking and riding her bicycle. The Mineola Community Pool was a highlight of her summers. She would go early for the Adult Swim and swim a mile in the lap lane. She was not a social swimmer and got right down to swimming when she entered the pool. Her energy level and physical activity could put us all to shame. She was an avid reader, especially in her later years, which was evidenced by her extensive book collection and many magazine subscriptions, including the Reader’s Digest. Visits to Old Westbury Gardens, Planting Fields Arboretum, and Hicks Nursery were frequent destinations. She went to the movies at the Mineola Library on Fridays with her gal pals, usually followed by lunch at IHOP or a local eatery. She was also a long-time member of the Garden City Community Club. Favorite television shows included Antiques Roadshow, Blue Bloods (Tom Selleck, that hottie), Dancing with the Stars, and CBS News Sunday Morning (for which she diligently took notes in a journal!). Mary also had an affinity for Mickey Mouse (who was introduced to the world one day after she was born) and penguins.

The family wishes to acknowledge and thank Mary’s amazing neighbors for all their kindness throughout the years. It gave her children great comfort knowing that someone was always looking out for her and willing to lend a hand if needed. Additionally, many thanks to the staff of Greystone Cottage for their compassionate care of Mary during the months that she lived there. She mentioned many times how kind everyone was to her and that she liked it there. The staff and volunteers of Trellis Supportive Care were also so caring to her in her final months.

Per Mary’s wishes, no visitation or funeral is planned. Her cremains will be interred at Maple Grove Cemetery, Kew Gardens, NY, in a private placement on what would have been her 95^th birthday.

In honor of Mary, spread kindness. Share a smile with a stranger, appreciate those around you and be thankful, brighten someone’s day with a thoughtful message, check in with a friend, donate to a charity. And remember, there is no such thing as too many flowers or plants.