Pauline “Polly” Helen Stark of Southampton died August 1, after a brief illness. She was 82.
Born April 28, 1933, in Riverhead, to Henry and Catherine (Hoban) Brooks, she married Anthony “Tony” Stark. She was employed for many years at Peconic Ophthalmology, retiring at age 80. She volunteered her talents and time to many organizations.
Survivors said Ms. Stark was a practical, no-nonsense woman who moved through life with purpose and was always ready to embrace new experiences. She was generous with her time and knowledge and took great pleasure in sharing her skills with young and old alike.
She was a skilled and award-winning artisan and craftswoman, happiest when her hands were busy, whether sewing dolls’ clothes for the children, assisting neighborhood girls with their prom dresses, teaching frightened first-time Girl Scout campers how to pitch a tent and build a campfire, or at knitting circles and basket guilds. Survivors said Ms. Stark always managed to find time to lend a hand to friends and neighbors in need.
Predeceased by her husband of 52 years, she is survived by three daughters and their spouses, Suzanne and Paul Pysarenko of Riverhead, Diane and Gary Glanz of Southampton, and Joanne and Kevin Martin of Massachusetts; four grandchildren and their spouses, Tristan and Diana Glanz of Southampton; Devin and Kelly Glanz of Southampton; Elizabeth Pysarenko of Ohio; and Julia Glanz of Maryland; five great-grandchildren, Anthony, Dylan, Margaret, Natalie and Trevor Glanz; a brother, Michael Brooks and wife Christa of Indian Lake; nephews, Michael and Peter Brooks; a niece, Jennifer Thalmann; and many kind and loving friends.
The family will receive friends on Friday, August 7, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the O’Connell Funeral Home in Southampton, followed by a funeral Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Southampton at 1 p.m. Burial will be private.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity or organization of choice.
on Aug 3, 2015