Obituary of Joan Pollack

On Monday, October 26th, 2020, Joan Pollack passed away unexpectedly with family at the age of 90 after two beautiful weeks vacationing at the beach. Joan was a beloved mother to three children, George (Geraldine), Willard John (Linda) and Geraldine (Robert); three grandchildren, George Anthony, William (Brittany), Christine (Matthew) and one great-grandchild, Finnegan George. Previously widowed, she was also loved dearly by her siblings and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. A purveyor of light and love, Joan lived by her signature phrase - “every day is a present.” Always the first to dance, sing, pray, or support others, she exuded a luminosity that could rarely be dampened. Lovingly known as Momma Joan to many, her heart and home were a welcoming beacon to all. Four generations have sat on her “hallway steps” and shared countless stories, laughs and tears. She will be fondly remembered for her sharp wit, smiling eyes and enthusiasm for life. Joan was a devoted member of the Catholic Church, serving the Lord through many means. As a eucharistic minister, she traveled regularly to senior living homes to hold communion services for those unable to attend church. Joan also played an instrumental role in developing a religious instruction program through the church for children with special needs and spent significant time studying sign language so she could communicate with those who were deaf and hard-of-hearing. Every week she gathered with her group, the Small Christian Community, who have been meeting, praying and changing the world one small miracle at a time for over 25 years. Her gracious benevolence made the world a better place. During COVID, Momma Joan did not let quarantine slow her down. She taught herself to use Zoom, email and social media in order to continue to spread her joy. She was a stickler for social distancing and, out of respect for her wishes, the visitation and mass will be kept to small gatherings. The family will be planning a Celebration of Life to be held in May where we can truly commemorate her honor with dancing, belly laughs and bear hugs. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Joan’s church – St. Elizabeth of Hungary in Melville, NY.