Mary M Polk's Obituary
Mary M Polk passed away November 2nd 2022 at Oak Hammock at the University of Florida, Gainesville following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Mary was born May 29th, 1934 in Norwalk CT to Julia and Paul Michalsky. She was predeceased by her parents and Brother Ernest Reho of Connecticut. She is survived by her husband of almost 68 years, Jack Sharpe Polk, three children Julia Dunstan (Allen) of Jupiter FL, Nancy Lofton (Robert) and John Polk (Stephanie) of Homestead FL. Grandchildren Matthew (Lisa) and Chris Lofton of Homestead, Danielle (John) DiPietro of Jupiter and Julianna Dunstan of Lexington KY, Peyton, Jack and Ethan Polk of Homestead FL and great grandchildren Blake Lofton and Adeline DiPietro. Sister in law Margaret Weech of Gainesville FL, three nephews and two nieces.
Mary spent her childhood in Connecticut and later Miami where she met her husband Jack. They attended the University of Florida where he majored in pharmacy and she in Art. They married December 30th 1954 and after graduation raised their family in Homestead, FL until retiring at Oak Hammock in Gainesville in Sept, 2007. Mary centered her life on her Christian Faith and was active in the Presbyterian Church beginning at First Presbyterian, Homestead where they were married and later at Redlands and finally Old Cutler PCA Church where she and Jack served on the mission committee. One of her fondest memories was meeting Richard Halverson, Chaplain of the Senate during the Reagan administration and later receiving an invitation and attending the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington DC. She also loved books and reading. She became an independent distributor with the Successful Living organization placing inspirational Christian books in public places and often received personal notes from people who were helped. Her interest in spiritual counseling and gift of discernment led her to receive training in pastoral counseling. She was chosen to be a leader in the Bible Study Fellowship a nondenominational Bible study for women.
Next to God, family was her most important priority. She was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. She later took great joy in her role as Grandma and G-Grandma to her seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Mary Polk is remembered by most as a talented artist. She was a signature member of the Miami Watercolor Society, Homestead Art Club and Portico Art Gallery at Cauley Square Miami. After moving to Gainesville she was very active in the Art League at Oak Hammock, and served, as did Jack, on the gallery committee for many years. Her paintings displayed along the hallways of Oak Hammock serve as reminders of her talents and gifts, her beautiful smile, sense of humor, quick laughter and yes, natural thick black hair. She will be missed more than she knew.
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