Obituary of Mary Thompson Polen

Mary Thompson Polen, age 85, of Seminole, FL, passed away on July 27^th, 2023. She was born to Woodie and Ruth (Miller) Thompson and spent her young adult years in Caribou, Maine. Mary attended Aroostook State Teacher’s College in Presque Isle, Maine. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, where she made friendships that lasted throughout her life. Mary taught elementary school in both Maine and Connecticut.

Mary met her husband, Elton “Duke” Polen, in Seminole, FL in 2008. They married on May 2, 2011 in Key West, FL in a private ceremony. Both Mary and Duke enjoyed playing golf together and with other families at many golf courses in Florida. Eventually, they found there was no competition in their age group and decided to retire from golfing. Mary was a member of Anona Methodist Church in Largo, where she was a dedicated choir member for many years. Mary and Duke went to breakfast every morning, often at Village Inn, and frequently enjoyed dinner at Leverock’s. She enjoyed a good Cosmopolitan at any restaurant they visited. Mary loved spending time with family and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Fred Thomspon of Caribou, ME and Philip Thompson of Bangor, ME; and her dear friend from college, known to her children as “Aunt” Jane Bergquist of Easton, CT.

She is survived by her loving husband, Elton “Duke” Polen of Seminole; sons Peter Dolson of Fairfield, CT, Michael Dolson of St. Petersburg, FL; her sisters-in-law Gail Thompson, of Caribou, ME and Deborah Thompson of Zephyrhills, FL ; and many other family members and friends.

The family will hold a private service in honor of Mary’s life at Anona Methodist Church at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the church in Mary’s name.

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