Mary Pollock

Mary Pollock passed into Eternal Life, February 4, 2020.. Please join us at Saint John's on the Lake, 1840 N. Prospect Avenue, Saturday February 22 at 2:00 for a Memorial Service in the Chapel. Immediately followed by A Celebration of Life in Saint John's Community Activity Center including food, drink, song and stories. Joyful attire requested. Valet parking from the south entrance. In lieu of flowers, donations to SKYLIGHT, 158 N. Broadway, Milwaukee 53202; UPAF, 301 W. Wisconsin Ave. Suite 600, Milwaukee 53203 or PLANNED PARENTHOOD of Milwaukee, 2207 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee 53223 would be appreciated. Mom was born Mary Lytle Stormont, June 26, 1930 to Doctor Daniel Lytle Stormont and Eda Mildred Milligan Stormont in Evanston, Il. Mary was the precious daughter sandwiched between older brother Jim and younger brother Dick, who survive her. She grew up playing in the churchyard of the First Presbyterian Church of Evanston. Mom graduated from Evanston High School, and then Duke University. At Duke, she played the violin, studied English literature, and was an enthusiastic member of Delta Gamma Sorority. After graduation, she worked in banking. Mary met her husband, Bill Pollock (George William Pollock, Jr. deceased in 1998) at a party on Oconomowoc Lake. They married at Christmas 1952, and moved to Whitefish Bay where they raised their family. Nancy was born in 1956, and Virginia in 1960. Dad left the family business, Lindsay brothers, and spent his career at The Marine Bank, now known as Chase. Mom was a wonderful mother, homemaker and hostess. She taught us to love the arts, music, and instilled a love of reading. When we were growing up, she was a brownie leader, a Sunday school teacher, a Junior Great Books Leader. She volunteered at church, in the schools, and for the performing arts. Mom and Dad were devoted to their grandchildren, and were present at concerts, recitals, birthdays and graduations. Mom passed down her love of music, and joie de vivre to her grandchildren Kate, Beth, Billy and Alex as well. Mary and her friends were instrumental in founding the United Performing Arts Fund. She was UPAF's fundraising co-chair and executive director for many years. She and her friends also helped found Milwaukee' s Music for Youth, now MYSO. Mom, former President of the Skylight, was a major force behind the move to its new location, and continued growth. Mary also devoted her fundraising talents to Planned Parenthood of Milwaukee. Dad's family had a beautiful family home "Pebbly Beach" on Oconomowoc Lake. Looking at retirement, Bill and Mary moved to the Lake, full time, in 1985. They loved living on the lake, and were active with the Oconomowoc Lake Club, and The Congregational church. Mom and Dad loved to entertain; the house was usually full of visiting family and friends. They threw many fabulous parties at Pebbly Beach; on its generous porches, lawn, and waterfront. When Mom turned 80, she returned to Milwaukee. She moved into a beautiful independent living unit at St John's on The Lake. Mary had a very full calendar with bridge clubs, book clubs, events at The Woman's Club, and socializing with her legion of friends. She became an active member of The Immanuel Presbyterian Church. Mom lived a life of gratitude, always seeing the best in any situation, and every person. We have heard repeatedly that Mom was exceptional at making people feel welcome and special. She had an open mind and open heart. Even as her health diminished, she was positive and smiling. We are so grateful that Mom had such a good life, and that she impacted yours. Grateful for the wisdom of her physician Dr. James Volberding, her nurse Meighan Bentz, and everyone who cared for her at St Johns. A toast to Mary Pollock! A life well lived! We miss you. Mary's words to live by "So live in this life that ye might have life everlasting" "Those to whom much is given, much is expected" "I shall pass through this world but once. Any good thing therefore that I can do, any kindness, let me do it now. For I shall not pass this way again."