Obituary of Joanne Polivka

Joanne Polivka, 85, of Poughkeepsie, NY, died Friday, January 8, 2010. Joanne was born in Mount Carmel, Illinois on December 17, 1924. She received a Bachelor's Degree from McKendree College and did graduate work in sociology at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. Joanne married Raymond Polivka on August 22, 1954 at the Wesleyan Foundation University of Illinois. After a brief period as an Army and graduate school bride, Joanne and her husband settled in Poughkeepsie, NY, where they raised two children. Joanne was an active member of the Poughkeepsie United Methodist Church, where she was a United Methodist Women Spiritual Growth Leader, a member of the Education Commission, and a member of both Wesley and Friendship circles. She taught Sunday school classes, frequently wrote devotions, and enjoyed studying the Bible with others. Joanne delighted in coaching the Spackenkill High School debate team for more than 15 years. She also enjoyed tutoring at the Harriet Tubman Academic Skills After School Program and was an active member of the Friends of the Poughkeepsie Public Library. Joanne was known for her gentle nature, quiet strength, and great enjoyment of life. A beloved wife, wonderful mother, and a gracious friend, Joanne is survived by her husband, Raymond; daughter, Anne Elise and her husband Stephen of Falls Church, Virginia; her son, David and his wife Dianne, and grandsons Robert Allen, James William, and Jonathan Scott, all of Olympia, Washington. Joanne blessed and touched the lives of many. Calling hours will be Wednesday, January 13th from 3 pm to 7 pm at the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, 371 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY. Funeral services will be at the Poughkeepsie United Methodist Church on January 14th at 10 am. Following the service, burial will be in the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Memorial Fund of the Poughkeepsie United Methodist Church.