Arlene Pollak

Arlene (Lefton) Pollak

January 27, 1930-June 7, 2025 (Age 95)

Arlene (Lefton) Pollak, age 95, of Natick and Wayland, passed away unexpectedly on June 7, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Born in Dorchester, MA, on January 27, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Matthew and Jessie Lefton and sister of the late Sonya (Lefton) Richmond.

In 1958, Arlene entered into a 53 year long marriage and lifelong romance with Elliot Pollak until his passing on January 28, 2012. Arlene graduated from Dorchester High School for Girls, and continued on to have an exceptional joy for life and learning. Arlene was an artist, and throughout her 95 years, she never stopped being a student of life, with a deep appreciation for art, music, dancing, travel, people, current events, nature, cooking, flowers and humor, as well as being an avid reader and movie lover. She also loved playing Mahjongg with her dear friends.

Arlene was an exceptionally loving and devoted wife, mother, mother in law, grandmother, sister, aunt, great aunt, cousin and friend. While family was her deepest love, Arlene also managed to work hard in bookkeeping, advertising sales at the local newspaper, raising multiple litters of puppies and dabbling in real estate. She also worked to protect the environment of Dudley Pond, and served as an original member of the Wayland Surface Water Quality Committee. In later years, she worked as a volunteer for the Natick Senior Center.

Arlene is survived by her adoring family, including daughters, Amy Revis Kaufman and husband Ken, Nina Revis Barresi and husband Ed, and Jenny Pollak and wife Suzanne Turner, grandchildren, Jared Barresi and wife Yanira Sotelo Barresi, and Benjamin Turner Pollak. She also leaves multiple nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that loved her as dearly as she loved them.

Arlene was an exceptional woman who truly touched everyone she met with her genuine and kind nature.

A celebration of life will be privately held.

Donations may be made in honor of Arlene's memory to Jewish Family Services of Metrowest (JFS) or Feeding America.