Polly C. Martin

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Appalachian State University Old Dominion University

Polly Martin Obituary

Polly C. Martin NORFOLK - Polly C. Martin (Ruth Pauline) died Jan. 29, 2009. Born in Blowing Rock, N.C., she attended Appalachian State Teachers College, majored in music at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music and Theatre Arts at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Her extensive background includes work with the military's special services, outdoor drama, touring companies, and executive administrator of a ballet school and performing company, as well as organist for H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments Inc. Prior to retirement, Polly served as resident musical director and instructor for Hurrah Players Inc. and Old Dominion University's Multicultural Summer Theatre program and was musical director for ODU's Actors Regional Theatre production of "Cabaret" at the Wells Theater. She served eight years as resident musical director for ODU's Riverview Playhouse, nine years on Norfolk's Commission of Arts and Humanities, 15 years as organist and choirmaster at Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, 12 years as organist and choirmaster at Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church and as an officer and member of the Executive Board of Local 125, American Federation of Musicians. Polly was honored for her contributions to the arts in Hampton Roads in the Third Regional Gala Awards Presentations of the People's Academy of Arts at the Wells Theatre and was winner of a Folio Award for Theatrical Achievement Best Musical Direction. In the following years, Polly continued to coach everyone from beauty pageant contenders to aspiring performers in her home. Widow of Harold J. Stone of Cramerton, N.C., and former wife of Charles L. Martin (deceased), Morganton, N.C., Polly was preceded in death by her parents, William B. and Ruth W. Castle and brother, Jay W. Castle. She is survived by daughter, Donna S. Ewing and Donna's companion Richard Grant, a beloved friend to Polly; brother, Ray W. Castle and his wife Brenda; nieces and nephews, Cathy Castle, Sandra Stalls, Karen Stackpole, David Castle, Stephen Castle and their respective families; in addition to godsons, Thomas Luna and Court Watson. A celebration of Polly's life will be held in Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, Norfolk. The memorial service will be announced at a later date. Visitation with family and friends will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Polly's name may be made either to Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church, 1445 Norview Ave., Norfolk, VA 23513, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 201 Saint Paul's Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23510, Hurrah Players Inc., 935 Woodrow Ave., Norfolk, VA 23517 or Friendship United Methodist Church Cemetery, c/o L. Triplett, 459 Sampson Road, Boone, NC 28607. A special thank you is extended to her faithful and loving friends in addition to management, staff and residents of Hague Towers. Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Feb. 1, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Polly Martin

9 Entries

Jennifer Steinberg

March 2, 2009

I had the honor of knowing Polly Martin, and working with her at the Riverview Theater in Norfolk. She was a gem and will truly be missed. Sending love to her and I know she is playing music in heaven.

Donald Smith

February 28, 2009

Donna,

Please accept my deepest heartfelt sympathy.

I was deeply saddened to hear of your mother's passing. She was a very special lady and I will forever have many fond memories of her.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.
She will be missed by all who knew her.

Otis Banks

February 28, 2009

Donna, I just learned on the day of the celebration of Polly's life and it has made me wish I could be with you and share my best memories and treasured smiles, as you may recall there were many! Polly has helped to shape my life in so many positive ways and I am very thankful to have known and worked with her over those years. She was home away from home for me.

I am now living in London but I hope to catch up with you when I return to Virginia in the next moths. Please know I am thinking of you and look forward to seeing you soon.

Much love,
Otis Banks
[email protected]

Patrick & Gale Arnoux

February 18, 2009

Donna, Amy told us that she saw an obituary for Polly in the recent past, and so we have just heard about her passing. Pat's dearest friends (before Gale knew them) were Polly and Charles. They had such good times on the River Bum. Gale sang in a small women's group that Polly formed. We practiced at her house on Washington Park. And all during those years, we knew and loved you. We send our sympathy for your loss and our love, Pat & Gale

Kristen Harrell

February 9, 2009

Polly was a wonderful friend and neighbor of mine for many years at the Hague Towers. We shared a love for music and animals, and she was a special friend I've missed since I moved. I am so sorry for your loss, Donna and Richard; Polly was a remarkable woman who gave so much to many people.

Sid Neighbours

February 4, 2009

Polly was a very dear and treasured friend to me. She was a valued mentor in music, and she always made me laugh. I will always treasure my friendship with Polly. Donna & Richard, my deepest sympathy - she was a one-of-a-kind and I know you wil miss her greatlly.

Rick Pascoe

February 3, 2009

Donna, our thoughts and prayers are with you, if you need anything please let us know.

Rick and Theresa

Ernie & June Childs

February 2, 2009

She touched many lives in her life and career. A positive influence and a remarkable lady. We always enjoyed the outings she initiated. Sorry for the loss.

Suzy Allen

February 2, 2009

I had the honor of working with Polly on many Hurrah productions. I will miss her talent and wit.

You have my deepest condolences.

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