Polly Toland

Pauline Talbott Toland of the Mainline died peacefully after a brief illness on Saturday April 28th surrounded by loving family and dear friends. Born on November 11, 1928 to the late Peggy Thayer and Harold E. Talbott, former Secretary of the Air Force, she grew up in New York City. Polly attended Miss Halls School and graduated from Vassar College with a BA in English Literature. She married Owen Jones Toland Jr. in October of 1950 and devoted her life to raising her four children on the Toland family farm in Wynnewood. Her husband Jonesy died in May 1987. Polly dedicated her time to volunteering for the Bryn Mawr Hospital and Vassar College. She earned the distinguished Gerhard Society Award last November honoring her 42 years of work for the Bryn Mawr Hospital. The award exemplified her spirit of service and philanthropy. She served on the Hospital's Women's Board for years and was president from 2000-2003. Polly was one of the initial founders of the Vassar Designer Showhouse, one of the first of its kind in the country. She and her devoted Vassar Committee raised hundreds of thousands of dollars each year for the Vassar College scholarship fund. Polly was an avid horsewoman, fox hunter and long time member of the Radnor Hunt. She was a member of the Philadelphia Skating Club and Humane Society for over 40 years and served as the President of the Women's Board at the rink in the 60's. She loved watching sports of all kinds, cheering on her grandchildren, and reveling in Flyers, Eagles and Phillies' victories. Polly lived most of her life in a house she and her husband built on the Toland Farm in Wynnewood, Pa. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, aunt and surrogate mom to so many. She and her cousin Mitsie Toland were the keepers of the flame of "Who's Where", an annual compendium of more than 500 Talbott cousins and family members. She enjoyed animals of all kinds, gardening, reading, crossword puzzles, competitive Scrabble games, decoupage, sailing and walking. She treasured summers with family and countless friends at the family's seaside compound in Middletown, Rhode Island, for over 50 years. She is survived by her twin brothers Harold E Talbott Jr. and Rev John Talbott; four children, Alix Toland, Meg Lile, Holly Alves and Jones Toland III; their spouses, Paul Lile, Man Alves, and Katherine Toland; eight grandchildren, Posse Stewart, her spouse Geoff and soon to be great grandbaby, Miranda Smets, Deacon Lile, Maggie Lile, Zoe Alves, Quincy Alves, Owen Toland IV, and Aubrey Toland; step grandchildren Paul Lile Jr., Andrew Lile, Jean Marie Lile, Stuart Lile, their spouses, and 4 great step granddaughters. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, May 15th at the Church of the Redeemer in Bryn Mawr, Pa at 11:00. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Bryn Mawr Hospital in Polly's memory. Stuard FH