Pauline Rita Beardall

Born in New York City, Polly was a proud first-generation American, born to William and Mary Josephine Stewart, who immigrated to the United States from Ireland. She was one of five children and was a woman of immense creativity, energy, and devotion to her family. Notably, she outlived all her siblings as the last surviving member of her generation.

Polly met the love of her life, Jim Beardall, on a blind date. Their romance took a memorable turn when Jim proposed during Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church, saying that he might as well ask since he was "already kneeling." They were married at Sacred Heart Church, Island Park, New York and shared 64 beautiful years of marriage together, moving 17 times across the country and building a vibrant life filled with adventure.

A woman of diverse talents and boundless energy, Polly lived by her favorite phrase: "Bloom where you are planted." She served as PTA President and was an avid community volunteer. Her creative spirit shone through her work as a prolific watercolor and oil painter. She was also an extraordinary gardener with a deep love for plants, and a master interior decorator who turned every house into a beautiful home. Polly was a ferocious reader throughout her life, a passion that evolved into listening to four audiobooks per week in her final years.

Polly possessed a deep wanderlust, traveling extensively to five continents, 22 countries, and 49 states. Yet, her favorite place was always at the center of a gathering. She taught her family how to garden, cook, sew, and throw parties, frequently hosting a large crowd for holiday dinners. Her dedication to education and hard work lives on as a point of pride: all five of her children graduated from college and went on to earn postgraduate degrees.

Polly is blessed to be survived by her five children, their spouses, and her descendants:

• Mary Beardall Smith and her husband, Jim Smith; along with grandchildren Megan (married to Mike Jansen, with great- grandchildren Sloane, Brynn and Molly), James (married to Claire, with great-grandchildren Blake, Mac, and Cameron), Kevin Smith (married to Juli-Ann, with great-grandchildren Patrick and Margaret), and Brian (married to Jocelyn, with great-grandchildren Riley and Violet)

• Jay Beardall and his wife, Cheryl Beardall; along with grandchildren Matthew (married to Mackenzie, with great-grandson Banks) and Andrew (married to Catherine)

• Joe Beardall and his wife, Mary Beardall; along with grandchildren Katie, Emily (married to Aaron), and Nick

• Nancy Beardall Johnson and her husband, Dale Johnson; along with grandchildren Robert (married to Jackie, with great-grandchildren Sadie, Tripp, Wade, and Clay) and Daniel (married to Emily, with great-grandchildren Dylan and Jackson)

• Teresa Beardall; along with grandchildren Kylie, CJ, and Natasha. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim Beardall.

She was deeply loved by all who knew her and leaves behind a legacy of laughter, creativity, and family devotion.

Services & Celebration of Life; Information regarding the service and celebration of life is currently pending and will be announced at a later date.

In Lieu of Flowers; Polly loved her first responders, especially the men and women of Fire Station 43. So in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Polly’s memory to the Brevard County Firefighters Benevolent Association (http://www.iaff2969.com/?zone=/unionactive/view_page.cfm&page=Benevolent20Association).