Arlene Constance Polski

There are people who leave behind memories, and then there are those that leave behind a feeling-a feeling of warmth, comfort, laughter, support, love, and friendship. The feeling that stretches beyond a validating smile and a warm hug, a feeling that envelops you. A feeling of safety and acceptance that is unwavering.
Connie, Arlene-Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mom, Grandma, Grammy, and Great Grandma, were just a few of the many terms of endearment family and friends graciously called her. From the very beginning, motherhood was her calling. She had a natural gift for nurturing, comforting, and loving others. She brought out the best in all of us. She was a devoted wife and mother, cherished grandmother, great-grandmother (and very recently great-great-grandmother), beloved cousin, treasured friend, and wonderful neighbor. She had the remarkable gift of making everyone feel as though they belonged. To know her was to feel welcomed, celebrated, validated, and loved. She had the unmistakable charm of everyone’s favorite sitcom mom-the one whose kitchen was always full, whose door was always open, whose advice was always honest and wise, and whose heart had room for anyone who wanted it but especially big enough for those that needed it.
She always looked effortlessly put together with her timeless sense of fashion and beautiful completion. Her home reflected her impeccable taste and decorating expertise. She poured her heart and soul into every detail that transformed her house into a home. She delighted in decorating for each season and holiday, turning ordinary days into special occasions with thoughtful touches that made family and friends feel welcomed the moment they walked through the door. The aroma of something delicious almost always danced from her kitchen, where she expressed her love through home cooked meals, freshly baked treats, and favorite family recipes that drew generations together around the table. A few family favorites were her liver and onions, dumplings and gravy, her nothing and ho-ho cake, her pot roast, her chicken that tastes like pork chops, and her spaghetti. Most of the family also enjoyed her banana salad.
Perhaps her greatest gift was her extraordinary ability to make friends wherever she went. She had a way of turning strangers into neighbors, neighbors into friends, and friends into family. Conversations came easily for her, laughter followed naturally, and people were drawn to her genuine kindness and welcoming spirit. Her superpower was making everyone feel important, valued, and loved.
She leaves behind a family forever shaped by her unwavering love, countless friends who became part of her extended family, and a community made a little brighter simply because she was in it. Though her seat at the table is now empty, the traditions she created, the meals she shared, the recipes she hand wrote for us, the laughter she inspired, the advice she bestowed, and the love she gave so freely will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Her legacy is not only in the lives she touched, but in every greeting card sent, every thoughtfully selected gift, carefully crafted dish she brought to a potluck, every holiday gathering, every shared meal, and every act of kindness inspired by her example. She has reminded us that home is not just a place-it’s a feeling. And, because of her, so many people know exactly what that feeling is. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.
Connie was the loving daughter to Rose and Harold Gompper; sister to James Gompper; and devoted wife to Frank Polski; survived by her family Mike (Terri); Mark; Robb (Robin), Cadence and Grant; Carrie (Phil), Natalie, Landon, and Ryan; Jessie (Jeremy) and Jet; Christine (Gil), Anthony (Taylor), James, and Crue; Jason (Seth); Anji and Ashley; Victor; Dear family friends-Carol, Cindy, Derf and Cindy, Mark H., Don and Ron, Chris and Dawn.