Obituary of Pauline K. ""Polly"" Gibbs

GIBBS, Pauline K. “Polly” Age 92 of Elmira Heights, NY passed away Tuesday morning, May 19, 2015. Dedicated and loving mother to her surviving children, Ernest T. (Joe Frick) Gibbs of Corning, NY, Esther J. Gibbs of Towson, MD, and Steven T. (Judi) Gibbs of Elmira Heights, NY; sisters, Irene “Freena” Waytena of Texas and Helen Delansky of South Carolina; and numerous nieces and nephews. Polly was predeceased by husband, Ernest T. “Ernie” Gibbs; and brothers, Billy, Andrew “Droxie” and John Kerrick. Polly was born in Elmira Heights, NY on September 8, 1922, in her parents’ home, to Stephen and Anna (Searchick) Kerrick. Polly and Ernie were married on October 21, 1944, in Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church in Elmira Heights. She lived her entire life in Elmira Heights. Polly was active in the community serving as an usher and volunteer at the Clemens Center as well as a charter member of the Elmira Heights Historical Society and a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Elmira Heights. One of Polly’s favorite hobbies was weekly caning class at the Elmira Senior Center. She worked at Eclipse during WWII to support the war effort and was a waitress at Syke’s Grill in Elmira. She enjoyed making potholders to contribute monies to the Elmira Heights Historical Society and KIVA.org. Polly was also an avid gardener and an excellent seamstress making her daughter’s wedding gown and all of her husband’s chef uniforms. She enjoyed taking long walks and loved the outdoors. Polly truly had the “Gift of Gab” and offered opinions freely. She was proud of her independence. Funeral services were private. There will be a memorial service on Saturday, June 27, 2015, at 11:00AM in Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 380 Pennsylvania Ave., Elmira. Donations in Polly’s memory may be made to CareFirst (Southern Tier Hospice), 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14870; Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 380 Pennsylvania Ave., Elmira, NY 14904; or the Elmira Heights Historical Society, P.O. Box 2084, Elmira Heights, NY 14903. Arrangements by Barber Funeral Home, Inc. www.barberfuneralhome.com