Rosa “Nellie” Pol

Born on December 30, 1930, in Lares, Puerto Rico, she was the daughter of Pablo Santiago Cardona and Obdulia Otaño Colón.

Nellie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor, cosmetologist, and lifelong learner. She married Salvador Pol on June 6, 1953, and later settled in East Chicago, IN, where they raised their family.

Throughout her life, Nellie worked diligently while pursuing her education, earning degrees in Social Work, Sociology, Biblical Studies, and Theological Studies. In addition to her ministry, she worked as a cosmetologist, serving others with care and conversation that often went far beyond the chair. She faithfully served as a pastor and counselor for over thirty years, dedicating her life to ministry, teaching, and encouraging others in their faith.

She also had a deep love for poetry and found joy in writing and sharing her reflections.

Above all, Nellie was a devoted and prayerful mother. She poured into her children daily, encouraging their education, guiding them with Scripture, and reminding them constantly of their worth and purpose. Through every season of life, whether in sunshine or in storm, her children always knew they were deeply loved. Her steady strength, affirming words, and unwavering faith became the foundation upon which they built their own lives. She did not simply teach love; she lived it faithfully and selflessly each day.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Salvador Pol; her son, Rodney Pol; and her siblings, Maria Ursina, Pablo Ramon, Angelica, Candida, Cruz Maria, Jose Samuel, Juan, Andres, and Nicolas.

Nellie is survived by her children, Noel (Melanie) Pol, Edwin Pol, and Elizabeth (Tony) Bustamante; her grandchildren, Noel (Stephenie) Pol Jr., Rodney Pol, Jr. (Alayna), Jonathan Pol, Mariah (Thomas) Derr, Christian (Klarissa) Bustamante, and Alexis (Jose) Bustamante; her great-grandchildren, Alex Pol, Natalia Pol, Cecelia Pol, and Luna Bustamante; Her Daughter-in-law Tammy Pol; along with many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Calumet Area and/or to Tammy Pol, where she will donate to the pancreatic research foundation.

Nellie will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, with a funeral service at 12:00 pm at Kuiper Funeral Home, 9039 Kleinman Road, Highland, IN 46322. Burial will immediately follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, 8178 Cline Avenue, Crown Point, IN 46307.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.KuiperFH.com for the Pol family.