Polly Olson Porter

Polly Olson Porter came from a loving family, married into a loving family, and together with her husband Jim, created a loving family. She passed peacefully on October 27, 2023 next to her devoted husband, bravely spending her final weeks under the care of Iowa City Hospice at the Bird House.
Polly Jane was born on October 9, 1955 in Des Moines, Iowa to Patricia and Clifford Olson. The youngest of 4 children and the only girl, she enjoyed an especially close relationship with her mother, filled with garage sales, scrabble games and root beer floats. She spent frequent summers in Okoboji and enjoyed loving friendships with her brothers and many cousins through adulthood.
She moved to Iowa City for college where she completed her undergraduate and master's degrees in social work. She met Jim in a counseling class in 1976 and they were engaged a short 3 months later. The block of sidewalk where they had their first conversation can still be found on Jefferson Street. They married in September of 1977 and became an example to many of how to fill a marriage with gentle communication, abundant humor and steadfast devotion. Their early years of marriage were marked by the pain of four miscarriages, a heartbreak they supported one another through with endless love and grace. They "couldn't believe their good luck" when they did become parents, welcoming Tim, Annie, Patrick and Jamie.
Polly truly loved being a mother and infused her children's upbringing with nothing short of magic. A master of birthday celebrations, treat bags and classroom parties, she had the best ideas and an unmatched gift to make children feel important and welcome. She taught her children countless lessons from an early age such as "it's only fun if it's fun for both people" and "your siblings are a gift from God." Her favorite quote was Maya Angelou's reminder that "people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." She remained her children's biggest champion and wisest advisor as they grew into adults. She delighted in deep friendships with them, sharing her unmatched wit and irreverent sense of humor.
Polly worked as a social worker in Iowa City for many years, 11 of which were spent at Iowa City Hospice before her retirement in 2017. Despite playfully claiming "employment was never a good match for my skill set," being a social worker absolutely was. She treated all of her clients with dignity and compassion, demonstrating a ceaseless belief in the transformative power of empathy. Polly was a fierce advocate who listened thoughtfully and left no stone unturned when clients were counting on her. She was proud of her time as a social worker.
Giddy to enter her golden years, she and Jim made the most of their retirement together, going on bike rides, traveling around the country to see family and spending many quiet moments together in their recliners while holding hands. She was never happier than when she was surrounded by family in the cozy house she and Jim turned into a home.
Polly lived her life as an unwavering example of how to "give the world a gentle answer." She is dearly missed and forever loved by her husband Jim, her children Tim (Mary), Annie (Kyle), Patrick (Anne Marie) and Jamie, her three grandchildren Madeleine, Grace and Rory, her brothers Jim (Meredith) and Tim (Toni), and many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her parents and brother Tom (Louie). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders or The Bird House Hospice Home of Johnson County.
A memorial service will be held on December 9, 2023 at 3 pm at Lensing Funeral Home in Iowa City. Shared remembrances and a dinner will follow the service at the Kirkwood Room.