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Jane POLONSKY Obituary
She was born in Kilmarnock, Va., to Thomas Joseph and Ellen Noblett Keane. Her father was secretary-treasurer and first editor of the Rappahannock Record, a weekly newspaper. Her mother was the daughter of Albert and Cora Brent Noblett of Kilmarnock.
Jane attended Elon College, N.C., worked as a newspaper reporter on the Fort Lauderdale Florida Times and on the News and Observer in Raleigh, N.C.
Jane was a member and former regent of the Hampton DAR and a member of numerous organizations including the Hampton Historical Society, the Society of the Lees of Virginia, the Board of Trustees of the Casemate Museum Foundation, the Hampton History Museum Association and longtime volunteer at the Fort Monroe Thrift Shop. Additionally, she was a founder and member of the Hampton Heritage Foundation and volunteer cataloging historical artifacts for the city of Hampton.
Along with Joan Drum of Williamsburg, Va., she co-authored "The Ghosts of Fort Monroe," "A Galaxy of Ghosts" and "Hampton Haunted Houses." She retired from Colonial Williamsburg as an historical interpreter and was a tour guide for Virginia Escapes.
She was a long-term member of St. John's Church in Hampton.
Jane is survived by her husband of 64 years, COL. (RET) Stanford I. Polonsky; sons, Stanford I. Polonsky Jr. of South Riding, Va., Thomas Henry Lee Polonsky of Asheville, N.C., and Peter Brent Polonsky of Winston-Salem, N.C.; grandchildren, Stanford I. "Trey" Polonsky III of Gloucester, Va., Courtney Murphy of Hermosa Beach, Calif., Amy Monahan of South Riding, Va., Kathryn Keane Polonsky of South Royalton, Vt., Joseph Polonsky of Durham, N.C., Kayla Polonsky of Charlottesville, Va., Jenna Polonsky of Winston Salem, N.C., Peter Brent Polonsky Jr. of Winston Salem; four great-grandchildren, Penelope Polonsky, Nathan Jensen, Matthew Monahan, and Maxwell Monahan; nieces, Sue Ellen Lee of Weems, Va., and Meredith Keane Neff Green of Weems, Va.; nephews, COM Henry Gordon Chase (U.S. Navy Ret.) and Capt. Michael Bertram Chase (U.S. Navy Ret.); and a host of other nieces and nephews.
The family wishes expressions of sympathy to take the form of contributions to the Hampton History Museum or the Casemate Museum at Fort Monroe. Inurnment will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
Arrangements are being provided by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home in Hampton, 757-723-3191. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jane POLONSKY
Kathy Rothrock
September 12, 2011
Dear Col P - "Lady Jane's" visits to the Casemate Museum were always eventful and entertaining, and one of the things I admire and respect most about you is that you were such a devoted husband. My prayers and thoughts are with you. My sincere sympathies to you and your family.
Hilde Leckliter
September 11, 2011
Our lives were an ocean apart before we met at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. We had one interest in common and you became my friend. I miss you. Our deepest sympathy to your devoted husband and loving family. Hilde leckliter and daughter Ingrid.
Stephen Picchi
September 8, 2011
Dear Col. Polonsky, Stan, Tom and Peter, Please accept my condolences. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Mrs. P. Her love, strength and humor were radiant. There are so many memories and so many thank you's I had hoped to share with her personally. When we lived on Grant Circle BFV in Mannheim, I loved when my parents entertained, and we, kids, would spy from the top of the stairs, watching the guests. Col. and Mrs. P. arrived and the energy in the room soared. She listened and let each one of us feel we were the most interesting person in the place. I think I was one of her biggest groupies after she published "The Ghosts of Fort Monroe." She inspired and encouraged me to take art classes in Old Hampton and to embrace history and romance. She also was our family's emergency contact, I learned in 9th grade, when she arrived at Spratley Jr. High to drive me to the dispensary at Fort Monroe after breaking a finger playing softball. I send my warmest thoughts and memories of happier and kinder times. Stephen Picchi, Rochester, NY
Aimee Picchi
September 8, 2011
My deepest sympathy to you Col. Polonsky, and to her sons, Stan, Tom and Peter. Jane was such a special lady, so very gracious and talented. I have many fond memories from my youth of her, both in Germany and Virginia. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Aimee Picchi in Indialantic, FL.
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September 8, 2011
We are so sorry to hear about Jane's passing. I was a little girl in Germany when I first met her, and I always admired and respected her. Tom and I send our condolences to her husband, Stan and her sons, Stan, Tom, and Peter. Debra Picchi in Keene, New Hampshire.
September 6, 2011
My sympathies to Stan and Jane's family. I'll always treasure the memories of our adventures in seeking out all the ghost stories in our books and the fun we had giving talks about them. Jane was the best partner you could ever have and a wonderful friend. I will miss her so much. Joan Drum, Williamsburg, Virginia
Jim Stoucker
September 6, 2011
Heartfelt condolences to all the Polonsky family. Mrs. Polonsky was a very talented, witty and gracious lady who who opened her home to her son Stan's college friends...our visits were always memorable...always a joy. May her memory be eternal.
Claire Samuelson
September 5, 2011
Deepest sympathy to you, Col P. She was LOVELY.
Russ Grimm
September 4, 2011
Deepest sympathies to all the Polonsky family and, especially, my high school buddy Tom. Mrs. Polonsky will be remembered by me as a woman of high accomplishment and initiative. She indeed brought the spirited stories of dear old Fort Monroe to life! My daughter, in particular, was thrilled and inspired by her books and she collected them over the years with each visit to the Casemate Museum. Sadly, in the same year that Fortress Monroe changes ownership, one of the greatest champions and stewards of its legacy has passed.
Rest In Peace.
Gwen Keane
September 4, 2011
I remember Jane as a generous, gifted, interesting person. I have always appreciated the warm hospitality she extended to my father. Whenever I saw her she always asked about my Dad. Her kindness will never be forgotten. Gwen Keane
Beth Liivak
September 4, 2011
Stan & family--
I was so sad to hear the news about my dear Thrift Shop friend and loyal "bag lady". I will miss Jane very much, but will cherish many memories of our good times together.
My deepest sympathy,
Beth Liivak
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