West Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Mary Ann was brought into this world as one of 5000 deliveries by her grandfather, Dr. James W. MacGregor, 7/16/1958, Portage, WI. She was born to Eternal Life on February 18, 2017. Beloved daughter of Dr. Michael Polacek and the late Jenny (nee MacGregor). Loving sister of Susan Polacek. Further survived by her Uncle Jim MacGregor and cousins: Scott MacGregor, George and Joanne, Carrie, Christian, Eva Polacek, Bekki and Brooklynn Browning, the late Bill Sr. and Mary Ellen Polacek, Bill and Rebecca, Will and Claire Polacek, Tim and Tara Polacek, Katie and Madison Polacek. John and Holli Polacek, Jim and Jan Polacek. Special acknowledgments to family friend, Alice Whaley, for her aid and wisdom, and childhood friend, Mike Walbert.
Mary Ann was a 1976 graduate of Wauwatosa East High School and a longtime Girl Scout. She continued her education at Smith College (B.S. Biology, Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa) and completed a unique, double Master’s program at Yale University earning both MBA and Registered Nurse diplomas. Mary Ann worked at the FDA, the American Red Cross, and as Associate Dean-School of Health Sciences at Anne Arundel Community College. She also had periodic stints in private care, special needs and pediatric nursing.
Mary Ann was a true Renaissance woman. Her musical tastes ran from Gregorian Chant to Country. She traveled the world; from photographing the Moai’s of Easter Island at sunrise and Pompeii archeology sites for elder hostel; from Serengeti safaris to the Great Wall of China; from a sisterly, self-guided driving trip (on the left!) to the Cliffs of Moher and an absolute must pilgrimage to Jane Austin’s house; from thermal spa indulgences in Iceland to a “Shaker Life and Antique” cruise. But fall family vacations in Door County were her favorite.
Longtime resident of Virginia, Mary Ann took advantage of all the cultural, historic and continuing education opportunities afforded in the Washington DC area. She was proud of attaining a Georgetown University Professional Certification in Antiques and Historical Preservation. Mary Ann filled her cherished “Willard Hall” 1836 Federalist home with antiques, quilts and samplers, lining the driveway with blossoming cherry trees, and tinkering in the raised beds under the pear and ginkgo trees she planted, her rescued felines, Petie, Shenika and Matilida, at her side. After Mary Ann completed MacGregor and Polacek genealogies, she researched the lives of the young ladies who created the needlepoint samplers she collected and loaned for publication. In the end, she would OFTEN say “I love my family” and returned to Milwaukee three years ago to be with her 84 year old dad and sister.
Visitation will be held at the Funeral Home on Friday, February 24th from 4 to 7 PM. A 10 AM service will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday, February 25th. Interment to follow at 4 PM at East Cemetery, Westfield, WI . (Boots suggested)
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Old Indian Agency House appreciated. (1490 Agency House Rd, Portage, WI 53901)
Mary spoke during our wedding and I worked with her in Rockville, MD in about 1990. Mary was brilliant and witty and fun to be with. I admired her amazing knowledge of Flow Blue China and other antiques and vintage collectables. Mary was an amazing person. Sending peace to those who loved her.
Lynn & Hal Van Gieson
June 21, 2022 | Arlington, VA | Friend
I read with some surprise the passing of Mary Ann Polacek in the Washington Post. I am truly sorry you have lost such an accomplished daughter, sister, and friend. I purchased her home in August of 2015, and I would like you to know what a wonderful gift she gave me. I will continue to enrich Willard Hall as I make it my home.
May her memory be eternal! Ethel Anagnoson, Lovettsville, Virginia.
Ethel Anagnoson
March 19, 2017 | Lovettsville, VA
There are no words at this time except my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Shirley Knight
February 27, 2017
Dr Polacek and family, sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Steve Zielinski
February 23, 2017
Martha let me know of Mary Ann's passing. We were all in the same class at Yale School of Nursing. I remember her fondly and being an excellent student. I knew she worked in DC and collected and knew a lot about antiques, for which she seemed sustain a lifelong passion. May she rest in peace
Kate Young
February 22, 2017 | Charleston, SC
Mary Ann and I shared some great times at YSN. My fondest memory is staying up all night long with her collating study guides for nursing school tests, along with our friends Rob Giallongo and Richard Champoux, Class of 90. She had a great sense of humor, was generous to a fault, and I will miss her dearly. She met my husband and children on a couple of occasions, and they remember her very fondly. I'm very very sorry you have lost this extraordinary woman. She was one of a kind!
Martha Tiryaki
February 22, 2017 | Albuquerque, NM
Thinking of you.
Praying for peace and comfort.
Our deepest sympathy,
Mary and Tim McCauley
Tim and Mary McCauley
February 22, 2017 | Wauwatosa, WI
Dear Polacek Family
I remember Mary Ann well as a playmate in Wauwatosa. I have wonderful memories of playing and biking together. Please accept my most sincere condolences for her untimely death. I am truly sorry for your loss and heartache.
Anne Feierstein
February 22, 2017