Cecilia “Polly” Totten, 84, died at Lincoln Village Convalescent Center on Tuesday, April 3, 2007. She was born in Racine on December 12, 1922 to the late Archie and Anastasia (nee: Adam) Cole. Polly worked for A& E Manufacturing, retiring in 1986. She was a lifetime member of St. Richard (Holy Name) Catholic Church where she participated with the Christian Mothers. She also belonged to the Daughters of Isabella Racine Circle 50 since 1945. Polly enjoyed spending her time sewing and quilting. Her survivors include her son, Donald Totten; sister, Betty Costabile; sisters-in-law, Veronica Cole, Klara Cole all of Racine and numerous nieces and nephews. Polly was preceded in death by her husband, Harry J. Totten; brothers, Richard (Helene), Robert, James (Mary) and Lawrence Cole; sisters, Ruth (Raymond) Malik, Helen (A. James) Faraone, Dorothy Cole and brother-in-law, Joseph Costabile. Family and friends are invited to meet at St. Richard of Chichester Catholic Church (15th and Grand Ave) on Monday, April 9, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. for the celebration of Polly’s Mass of Christian Burial with Rev. Ray Ryan officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. There will be a visitation in the church on Monday from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Memorials have been suggested to Hospice Alliance. “Polly gave a lifetime of quiet service and care whenever she was needed.”
Brinker-Cole Family (Dave, Jan, Gavin & Laurel) says
Aunt Polly was one of the strongest women I know (and this from a family with many strong women.)
To describe her in one word,”pluck.” [American Heritage Dictionary: n. Resourceful courage and daring in the face of difficulties; spirit.]
To use her in a sentence, “When the going got tough, Aunt Polly got going.”
I wish I could say, “Thank you for hauling me out of the fishing pond at Trout Valley, and I’m really sorry you stepped on that bee.”
We will always remember her as she was in the photo, smiling from ear to ear.
What a magnificant woman, and a magnificant life of service to others!
Our thoughts and prayers are with Don and all the rest of the family,
Dave, Jan, Gavin and Laurel
Bob & Wendy Cole & Family says
Don,
We send our deepest sympathy. We used to visit your mom, and I remember when the twins were younger she would always be smiling and showing the twins things. She always especially glowed when talking about you, Don. You were her favorite topic of conversation. And it was always accompanied by a huge smile, that made her eyes twinkle.
We regret that we will not be able to be with you at the services, but you and the family will be in our prayers.