Polly Kallen

1943 - 2019

Polly Hepburn Kallen, 76, of Poquonock, beloved wife of the late Edward M. Kallen and devoted mother of Michael Kallen, passed away Sunday, August 11, 2019. Born in 1943 in Poughkeepsie, NY, Polly was the daughter of Margery Spicer Hepburn and William Kirkland Hepburn, Jr. She spent her early years on Emmadine Farm, owned by J.C. Penney and managed by her father, a renowned dairyman and international cattle judge. During her childhood she traveled throughout the country with her family, as her father managed dairy farms in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Arizona. After graduation from Chandler High School in Chandler, Arizona, Polly attended Arizona State University as a President's Scholar. She moved to Connecticut and graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1965 with a B.S. in Education. For several years, Polly was an English teacher at Coventry High School, a teacher of English as a second language, and a reading tutor and pre-school teacher. She worked in the media library of the Capitol Region Education Council and in the regional sales office of Owens Corning Fiberglas Corporation. In 1983 Polly became the Assistant to the Director of the Wadsworth Atheneum, where she served with three directors of the museum. In 1999 she was appointed as the Executive Assistant to the Provost of the University of Hartford and remained there until her retirement in 2014. For over thirty years, the Kallens enjoyed rest and relaxation at their vacation home in Townshend, Vermont, and on the nearby ski trails. Polly shared her time and talent with many organizations and was a dedicated member of Poquonock Community Church, where she sang in the church choir and served as an Elder. Polly was predeceased by her husband, Edward Kallen, and infant son, Mark Kallen. In addition to her son, Michael, Polly is survived by two sisters and their spouses: Sandra Nelson of Decorah, Iowa, and Martha Paquette of Bolingbrook, Illinois. She also leaves beloved nieces and nephews and their children, with whom she shared her great love of sports. A celebration of Polly's life will be held Saturday, August 24, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Poquonock Community Church, 1817 Poquonock Ave., Poquonock section of Windsor. Memorial contributions may be made to Poquonock Community Church, 1817 Poquonock Ave., Windsor, CT 06095 or to a library of the donor's choice, to encourage the love of reading. Carmon Windsor Funeral Home has care of arrangements. To leave on-line condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com