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Susanne Marie Polden
1922 - 2017
Susanne Marie Polden
1922 - 2017
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Susanne Polden Obituary
June 20, 1922 - October 26, 2017
Pacific Grove
Susanne Marie (Sue) Polden a longtime Monterey educator and resident of Pacific Grove passed away on October 26, 2017, after a short illness. She just celebrated her 95th birthday in June of 2017.
Born in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, to John and Susan Simpkin, she grew up with her siblings: Margaret (a Sister of Loretta), Elizabeth, Nora and Jack. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings.
She was educated at St. Teresa College in Winona, Minnesota and later taught chemistry at a medical school in East Lansing, Michigan. Following her marriage to Donald F. Polden, a military officer who passed away in 2003, Susanne began her careers as a mother and a primary school teacher, including teaching assignments in Ft. Benning, Georgia, Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, Cupertino CA, and Alexandria Virginia. In 1966, she moved to Carmel, and later, Pacific Grove, and began teaching in the Seaside Elementary schools, including Covell Elementary and Martin Luther King Middle schools. She was an exceptional and dedicated teacher and for many years following her retirement she was frequently approached by former students who relayed inspiring stories about how she personally influenced their success in life.
Sue was a long time congregant at St. Angela Merici Church in Pacific Grove and was active as a member and elected officer in the Catholic Daughters chapter at St Angela. Her fellowship with the many members of Catholic Daughters was immensely gratifying to Sue and resulted in many close friends. In recent years she was not able to continue her active service with the organization due to her ailing health.
Sue was very proud of her Irish heritage and, after her retirement, she traveled there often with family, including sisters Margaret and Nora and all her children, to Ireland, and the trips always included visits to County Clare, home of her mother.
Sue was blessed with a wonderful, supportive family, including her children: Mary (John) Schlosser, Donald (Susie) Polden, Patricia (Greg) Calhoun, Maureen (Bill) Duffy, and David. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Her family was a tremendous source of love and care to her and they all loved coming together often to spend time with their "Mom/Gma/GG".
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held this Friday, November 3, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Angela's Church.
In lieu of flowers, please send a gift in memory of Sue to St Angela Merici Catholic Church, 146 8th St., Pacific Grove, California 93950.
View the online memorial for Susanne Marie (Sue) Polden
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Mary Williams
November 15, 2017
My prayers are with you during this difficult time. I worked at King Middle School with Sue. She was always generous in contributing her art work to my Human Relations Team. She was indeed a dedicated educator.
Cassie Escobar
November 9, 2017
To the Polden family,
My sympathy to you with the passing of your mother. I was a student of hers at Eldon J. Covell Elementary school. She was my 5th/6th grade teacher. (If I remember correctly, the teaching was shared with Mrs. Lumly and Mr. Hatton!). I remember her so vividly! Had I known she was living in town , I would have loved to have seen her! When I saw her obituary with her picture, it brought back good memories of her! She was tough, but loving! I even remember her voice! The picture was how I remember her! Teachers are a blessing, your mom was one of them! May she rest in eternal peace.
Annie Horne
November 4, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Lori Hughes
November 3, 2017
Dearest Polden Family,
I am so sad to hear of Sue passing. She has been a wonderful friend to my Mom, Mary Hughes, for many years. Her presence in this world will be greatly missed. I always enjoyed her sunny outlook on life. God bless your family in this sad time. Much love to you all. Lori Hughes-Begley
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November 2, 2017
Dear Polden Family,
Deepest sympathies for the loss of your sweet mother. I'm sure she is in heaven by now.
Setsuko
Miguel Longone
November 1, 2017
Dear Pat and family,
I am deeply sorry to learn about the loss of your mum. I still have very fresh and present in my mind, the beautiful life celebration you all organized for Gigi this summer in California. I will always keep in my heart this souvenir and the image of your mother surrounded by so much love and joy. I am so happy that Camila met her great grandma. I am also very thankful to Gigi for beng so kind to Lisandro and Ines and treating them with so much love as her children and grandchildren. Our thoughts are with you, your brothers and sisters. Kirsten, Koben, Sean, Greg and family during this very sad time. Estoy seguro que tu mama descansando en paz con Dios.
October 31, 2017
Dear Polden Family,
My deepest sympathies on the
loss of your Mom.
Sue was not only my customer
for 28 years but a dear friend. SHE WILL BE MISSED!!
God Bless
Jan
October 30, 2017
Dear Maureen, Bill and family,
Our love and deepest sympathies to you all. Your dear mom was a beautiful strong woman. May the Angels lead her into Paradise and give her eternal rest.
Love,
Joanie (Duffy) Resendiz and family
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390 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
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