Mary Pauline "Polly" Burke

Hal and Polly's doors were never locked, and neither were their hearts. Polly always stocked the refrigerator for Mike and I as we crawled over from Portland State classes. She always greeted me with an adopting mother's warmth, and healed the scarring of an outside world not so endearing. She included me inn holiday and birthday events, always started with a hug and an unforgettable welcome that included "like a son". I will feel her presence, as always, while not seeing her. The...

Aunt Polly, you are a fixture in my life. You taught me how to play tennis on the backboard at Grant HS which helped me later earn the "most improved player" trophy at Portland Tennis Center. You let me drive your VW bug when I got my license, and when I couldn't figure out how to release the parking brake, you walked down to Hollywood to show me how to do it when you were visiting Mom and Dad. And you always supported my mom when my brothers or me had various forms of "halgus of the...

Your mom and I arrived at Laurel Parc at the same time, and became friends. I am so glad I had this year and a half knowing Polly. She was a lovely person and wonderful friend. You were blessed to have her so many years. I shall miss her!