Pauline (Harcovitz) Spatafora, 90, of Westbrook and formerly Wethersfield, loving wife of 44 years of the late Anthony J. Spatafora, passed away peacefully at home under the care of her children on Wednesday, April 28, 2021. Polly was the daughter of the late Adam and Fannie Harcovitz and the youngest of nine children. An exceptional and inspirational woman, Polly’s humble beginnings started on her family’s farm in Millis, MA. After graduating from UMASS, she completed her residency at Beth Israel Hospital, and began her travel adventures. Polly travelled the world and was a dedicated career woman who worked as a professional dietitian for over 65 years. Polly enjoyed sharing her experiences with all, from growing up on the farm, to sorority parties, to working at MIT, to travelling to far-away places. Polly had a knack for telling it like it is and was not one to sit idly by. She made an impact on all who met her and was a force to be reckoned with. She was a true caregiver with unimaginable strength and energy. Towards the end of her incredible life, she found comfort in the church and lived by example “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another”. She enjoyed volunteering at church, meeting her Friday craft group at the Westbrook Library and doing Tai Chi at the Senior Center.
Her most precious memories were those spent with family during summers in Marion, MA. Polly leaves behind her children: John Spatafora of Wethersfield; Mary and Kevin O’Connor of Hull, MA; Sally Spatafora of Portland, OR; Carole and David Simmons of Wethersfield; Anthony and Michael Vinton-Spatafora of Sherman Oaks, CA; and Trish and Brian Murray of Wethersfield; fourteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She will be missed by her neighbors and special friends, Wini and Chris.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 1, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Mark the Evangelist Church of St. Pio Parish, 222 McVeagh Road, Westbrook CT 06498. Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church and adhere to all mask wearing and social distancing guidelines. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family and there are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Polly’s name may be made to The Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries at St Mark’s Parish. The D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, Wethersfield has been entrusted with arrangements. To share a memory of Polly with her family, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com.
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