BIDDEFORD —Lucy Poli, age 100, passed away July 8, 2022.
Lucy was born in Biddeford, Maine, the daughter of Michelangelo and Idelina (Nicetta) Poli on Oct. 23, 1921.
Lucy graduated from Gorham Normal School with a BS in Elementary Education in 1943. She started her teaching career in Biddeford at Emery Street School, teaching grade six where she remained until 1947. At this time, she moved to Middletown, Rhode Island, where she continued teaching. In 1952, she moved to West Hartford, Connecticut, after attending graduate school where she received her Master’s Degree from the University of Hartford. She remained with the West Hartford School System, becoming a principal and curriculum coordinator.
In 1978, Lucy “retired” returning home to Biddeford. Coming home to Maine was not new to Lucy, as she spent her summer months in Biddeford with her family. Lucy soon found she needed something to do and began teaching fifth grade at St. Joseph’s School, where she remained well into her 80’s. Again, Lucy “retired” but soon decided to teach English as a Second Language. She finally did retire in 2011, at the age of 90. Lucy considered herself a fortunate woman to have found a vocation that she truly loved. Throughout her years of teaching, she received many awards and accolades.
Sadly, the last few years, Lucy battled the disease of dementia. She gave it a good fight, but as always, dementia won.
Lucy is preceded in death by: her parents, Michelangelo and Idelina Poli; her brothers, Dominic Poli and Nicholas Poli and his wife JoAnn Poli; and her sister, Sarah Jane Poli. She is survived by her brother, John Poli of Saco, Maine; her sister-in-law, Marlene Poli of Hallandale Beach, Florida; and her nieces, Nancy Poli and Rita Poli both of Cape Porpoise, Maine.
A graveside ceremony took place Thursday, July 14, 2022, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Biddeford, Maine. Arrangements are by Hope Memorial Chapel. To share condolences online, please visit www.HopeMemorial.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lucy’s name to your favorite library or the Dementia Society of America, P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 08901.
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