Born at home in Farmersville, NY, on October 8, 1924, Polly was the eldest child of Herbert and Lura Wallace and older sister to Kenneth (June) Wallace. She graduated from Ten Broeck Academy, Franklinville, NY in June 1942 and earned a BA in Music Education from Fredonia State Teachers College in 1946. Following her graduation, Polly worked as a teacher of vocal music for the Friendship and Cuba Central School Districts. Polly was a pioneer in the development of a vocational education program in Cuba and made multiple trips to Albany to work with the NYS Department of Education. From 1979-1992, Polly substitute taught at multiple Allegany County Schools.
Polly was pre-deceased by her husband Craig, husband Roy, son David, and grandsons, Jacob Weart and Zachary Weart.
Polly was always an active member and leader in her local community. Her weekly calendar was filled with multiple club meetings. Notable leadership roles included: Vice President of Federated Women’s Club, Queen Mother and founding member of the “Frivolous Friends of Friendship” Red Hat Society in 2006, officer of Delta Kappa Gamma, the Music Literary Club, Alle-Catts, and aerobic instructor for the Allegany County Office for the Aging. Polly was honored to be the first recipient of the “Friendship Best Friends” contest at the Friendship Freedom Fair in 2007.
An accomplished musician who started piano lessons at the age of nine, Polly served as choral accompanist, music director, organist, and conductor for multiple music groups and clubs over the decades. She played the piano and organ at the Friendship First Baptist Church (United Church of Friendship) for numerous years. As a testament to the influence Polly had in the music community of the southern tier, over 30 former students and choral members of Polly’s honored her with a choir performance for her 98th birthday, during which her hands couldn’t help but conduct and direct their singing.
Polly was quoted in the Olean Times Herald as saying “Embracing change is another key to getting the best out of your golden years. You can remember the past, but you can’t live in it. You have to live for the future.” She lived this conviction to her final day. An intelligent woman whose accomplishments could fill chapters of a book; a treasured community pillar whose influence will be tangible for generations; a beloved mother, aunt, grandma, great-grandma, and great-great-grandma whose treasured memories will be vivid of the meals shared, the lessons taught, and the stories told. Polly will be missed and remembered fondly.
A private service will be held on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery, Friendship, NY. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Friendship American Legion Post #1168, 29 Depot Street, Friendship, NY 14839 or to Homecare and Hospice, 115 East Main Street, Allegany, NY 14706 or online at www.homecare-hospice.org. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
