IN MEMORIAM: Virginia Polley, 97;

Oneonta Surgeons’ Office Manager

ONEONTA – Virginia Caquelard Polley, whose husband was a surgeon locally for 30 years,  died peacefully on Oct. 14, 2018, in Centralia, Wash., home of her daughter Jennifer Polley. Her family had the privilege of tending to her during her last weeks on earth.

She born Oct. 18, 1921, in St. Louis, Mo.

Virginia and her husband, Virgil B. Polley, M.D., who died Oct. 25, 2010, moved to Oneonta in 1957 and established a surgical practice that became known as the Oneonta Surgical Associates; Virginia was office manager from its inception until her retirement in 1987.

In addition, Virginia was involved in various aspects of teaching and hospitality at Main Street Baptist Church, as well as on the board of various civic organizations and local businesses.

She traveled extensively with her husband to mission hospitals around the world where she taught, assisted in clinics, organized pharmacies, helped with financial issues and generally provided support and assistance where needed.

During their almost 50 years in Oneonta, because of her, their home was a haven to thousands of people, providing welcome and hospitality.

Her daughters Rebecca (Gordon Scruton), Joan (Joel Sheesley), Virginia (Ginger Polley) and Jennifer Polley (Steve VanAtta), along with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren give profound thanks to God for the privilege of having had Virginia in their lives. She was a woman of deep faith, wisdom, grace and humor, willing to change as life changed, embracing the reality that God is all and her all.

With thanksgiving, her family commends her into the loving presence of God. “Well done thou good and faithful Servant.”

Memorial gifts in remembrance of Virginia may be sent to Missionary Aviation Fellowship, P.O. Box 47, Nampa, ID 83653 and Main Street Baptist Church, 333 Main St., Oneonta, NY 13820.

Her memorial service and interment will be at the convenience of the family.