Polly was not only a colleague, also a very dear friend.   I had the privilege of working with Polly for many years at Rock Lake Middle School.   Her passion for teaching and devotion to education was unparalleled.  
 I admired Polly’s love of learning, reading and especially her love for family.   Lessons learned from Polly are too numerous to mention but ones I will never forget.   My memories of this wonderful friend will be cherished forever.  
I will miss her book recommendations, her friendship and her famous cake!  
It’s with a heavy heart I say good bye.  
Beverly LaMotte

Polly was a wonderful person, mother, and teacher.  I send my deepest condolences to the family. She will be missed.

Ms. Wilson was a rosebud that always bloomed every time she interacted with us!  Her smile and care for us as neighbors was second to none!  We will miss her and always remember her love for McDonald's Hot Fudge Sundaes!

Much love to her family at this difficult time!
The Knowles Family (Coury, Janice, and Ethan)

Polly was my friend, a fellow teacher and we worked together for many years on the JHMS BOBCAT - what a joy.  She will be missed for sure but will be back together with her beloved Bob.  A very special memory was all the years we planned our annual trip to Washington, DC for our "gifted" 8th graders - we all learned so much and had a great time.  My last memory was being able to visit Polly on her 89th Birthday and share with her a 1983 JHMS FACULTY picture - she really enjoyed trying to ID all of them and did very well - what happy memories.  She was so loved by so many - she was a great woman. 

I first met Polly in 1981 at Jackson Heights Middle School and learned quickly that she was a great Science teacher and leader.
Then in 1999 we were working together again at Rock Lake Middle School.  Polly was still a strong force at the school.  She was admired and respected by the staff, faculty, and administration.  I think one reason we admired her because we would want her to bake her famous coconut  layered cake for our birthday luncheons. For that reason, many of us will continue to remember Polly not only on her birthday but on our own as well!! Some memories are for keeps!

Polly meant so much to so many. 
As an educator she was our mentor. She was able to encourage as well as assist many teachers and students alike. Her support was unwavering and always genuine. If you needed a resource to assist in a classroom project she found it. Her dedication to implementing technology into the everyday curriculum kept students and teachers current in smart boards, digital cameras, computers, educational software and tablets. She lobbied for ceiling mounted projectors and extra computers in every room. She tirelessly arranged workshops and in service classes for our entire faculty. In addition to her role as Tech Facilitator, she annually produced the RLMS yearbook. Often working into the night and weekends to meet deadlines. Her days in the classroom as a science teacher is renowned, admired and appreciated throughout Seminole county.  Her support of Odyssey of the Mind was unending. She and her husband Bob never missed an opportunity to coach a team and then later work within the Odyssey organization to assist in hosting and manning the competitions themselves. 

As a friend she always had time to lend an ear if you needed to talk or unburden yourself with daily frustrations. She breakfasted, lunched and dined with many of us often. Her input to any conversation was always welcomed and considered necessary. When she laughed we all laughed. She was always loyal to her friends and as far as I experienced, never gossiped about others. She was always reading and recommending books that she described as her “ favorite” book but then a week later she had another “favorite” book. Her books meant the world to her after retirement and the loss of her soul mate, Bob. They became her vicarious life as she lived thru the characters and their experiences. 
Her kindness was always present in word, deed and thought. I will never ever lose sight of what she offered each of us. A living example of how to be a better educator, wife, mother and friend. 

How I will miss conversations with you, Polly, at our Rock Lake retiree luncheons! You were always so smart,  quick, knowledgeable and so engaged. I will always be thankful for the patient help you provided me with technology at Rock Lake. How blessed your family is to have had your care and guidance. And how blessed we retired Rock Lakers are to have known you as a trusted colleague and dear friend. 

I was blessed to work with Polly at both Jackson Heights and Rock Lake Middle school! Always a dedicated , motivating and inspiring Science teacher. She touched so many students and faculty as well.
I was also lucky to be a close friend. I loved my time with her.  She always made me laugh! She shared her love of reading and book recommendations with everyone who knew her, personalizing for you. So many memories especially from our weekly 
Rock Lake breakfast group that turned into a monthly Happy Hour, dinner after we retired! I know how much she loved those!
I will miss her dearly and hope she and her family know how much she meant to so many. Love you and miss you Polly💕
Prayers to you Lisa, your brothers, and her grandchildren🙏😘

I don’t know where I would be today without the mentorship of my beloved 8th grade science teacher, Mrs Wilson! Her enthusiasm of science 🧬 and inquisitive nature was infectious. She started my love of science which led to a major in microbiology and minor in Chemistry  with a medical degree and residency in plastic surgery. I now practice as a reconstructive plastic surgeon in Nashville TN specializing in breast cancer and breast reconstruction. Mrs Wilson was the start and inspiration for my journey. I owe her so much. She will always hold a special place in my heart. 

Dear Lisa, 

I am thinking and praying for your family during this difficult time. Mrs. Wilson, as I will always think of her, was my 8th grade science teacher in 1987-1988. She was my favorite science teacher in all of my years of school and inspired a love for science as well as a career in science. Mrs. Wilson encouraged me to believe in myself. All these years later, I remember her telling me that I could do anything. She was a great teacher and a great person and she will be missed.

Not only a neighbor, in the Woodlands, for over thirty years, but a fellow teacher at Rock Lake Middle School, and a very close friend, Polly Wilson offered me her wisdom, gave to me her advice, and (shared with me her booklists!) in a knowledgeable , professional and loving way.  She will be tearfully and sorely missed.  “Walk again, Polly, with your beloved husband Bob.  He is so happy to have you home.” Love, Cindy Segreto

My time with Polly was priceless. I spent many years teaching math in a pod where she taught science. She was an amazing   gifted teacher who pushed students to “do” science not just study it. She was passionate about her teaching, her family, students and friends. Polly was quick to tell anyone of us to get back in line if she thought we were not doing our best or what was right. We all loved her mothering attitude toward us and sense of humor.  I will miss you my friend and I will continue the missions we shared.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your mother and grandmother. She was my mentor, encourager and most importantly, my friend. I've always admired the impact Polly had on her beloved students.
She would always proudly share updates on her family during our get togethers.
She will be dearly missed by all.

Polly was a wonderful science teacher, mentor and friend. I was inspired by her, and was fortunate to be chosen to replace her (even though she was irreplaceable) at RLMS 24 years ago when she retired (for the first time!) When she returned to the classroom I learned so much by working with her and she truly helped me to become a better teacher.  She and Bob  introduced me to Odyssey of the Mind and I shared her love of reading through numerous books. I was fortunate to travel with Polly along with Susanne Runyan and Jan Thompson who organized an educational trip to England, Scotland & Ireland in 2001 and have wonderful memories of her from that experience.   She had the best smile and laugh and was always ready discuss her latest read.  I will miss you my dear friend.  

I had the great privilege of working alongside Polly at both Jackson Heights and Rock Lake Middle Schools and I always considered her both a friend as well as a colleague.  In fact, she was part of my first academic middle school team in Seminole County and it was a wonderful experience never duplicated.  There was never a more dedicated and reliable individual than Polly and I know she will be sorely missed by her family and many coworkers.    My deepest sympathies . Paul Cave

Polly Will surely be missed! she was a wonderful lady, mother, teacher and friend!   our sincere condolences go out to her family!   God bless everyone especially God bless Polly!

It saddens me to hear of Polly’s passing. She was part of our Rock Lake Middle School family for so many years. Polly was encouraging to others, gave advice when asked, and loved teaching and her students. 
My condolences and prayers go out to the family for comfort and peace. 

Polly was a very special lady that I had the pleasure of working closely with at Rock Lake.  I had the privilege of being on the same team and continued our friendship by occasionally taking her to our retirement luncheons.  She will be sorely missed, but I know she is now with her beloved Bob. ❤️

I am so sorry for your loss. Polly was a wonderful woman to work with! She was such a great support, so helpful and positive and caring. I always enjoyed talking with Polly and am so sad that she has passed on. 

I hope your memories and anecdotes will help comfort you. My prayers for peace are with you all. 


OBITUARY

Polly Elaine Wilson

August 30, 1931 – February 2, 2021

Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn Chapel & Oaklawn Cemetery

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