Mary Jane "MJ" Poltorak

1935 - 2022

Mary Jane (MJ) Poltorak, 86, currently of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away on January 9, at home with family at her side. Mary Jane had been in declining health for the last several years. She was born on June 26, 1935, in the City of Amsterdam, New York to Carl J. Natale and the former Rose Deluca. Growing up primarily on James Street, she graduated from Wilbur H. Lynch High School in 1953. To the present day, she maintained close friendships from her school years. After high school, Mary Jane went to work for General Electric Company, before switching to and retiring from the Knolls Atomic Power Lab in the year 2000. The former Mary Jane Natale married Ronald Poltorak on October 7, 1956. The two were married for 59 years, raising their daughter Linda (Poltorak) Salmon of Birmingham, and son Michael R. Poltorak of Louisa, Virginia. After retiring, Mary Jane and her husband moved from the Village of Hagaman, New York, to Fort Myers, Florida, enjoying many years there before health issues forced them both to relocate to Birmingham where their children were located. She spoke with great love of her time in “Hot and Sunny� Florida. There wasn’t a time that her love of life there kept her from being on the “Go�, especially to the beach! She lived her life to the fullest! Mary Jane was a bright light to her family and friends. A devout Roman Catholic, she enjoyed volunteering at hospitals, and performing acts of kindness to anyone she could help. She loved family events, always filled with laughter and producing beautiful memories. She was so very proud of her family and spoke of this pride often. In addition to her daughter Linda (John) and son Michael, she is survived by her loving grandchildren, Kristina Taylor of New Orleans, Louisiana, Andrea Crews (Brent) of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Chris Taylor of Birmingham Alabama, and Andy Poltorak (Amanda) of Cadiz, Kentucky. She leaves 6 Great Grand Children, Jaden, Jaxson, Danika, Kyla, Kaylin, and Kaiden; as well as may other nieces and nephews. A special thanks needs to be given to surviving Niece Donna McGann (Larry) of Saratoga, New York, with whom she had a special and beautiful relationship. In addition to her husband, Mary Jane was predeceased by her parents and loving Sister Rosalie Giaquinto (Bob) of Amsterdam, New York. They were so very close, often mistaken for each other. Calling hours to take place on Monday, January 17 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Funeral Home at 171 Guy Park Ave in Amsterdam, with the Funeral Mass on Tuesday January 18 ,11 a.m., at St. Mary’s Church located at 156 E. Main St. in Amsterdam as well. Memorial contributions are suggested made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund @ https://curealz.org/. The family also suggests performing random acts of kindness, so very much a part of Mary Jane’s character.