POLLIEN, Margaret

Irene Margaret Pollien 1934-2012 Irene (Strunk)Pollien was born in 1934 in the midst of the great depression. She was born at home to her parents Harry Strunk and Irene Josephine Strunk. Mom was one of five children. They lived a very modest life making due the best they could as the great depression definitely made their circumstances challenging. Mom’s father Harry Strunk Sr. was an Automobile mechanic. Harry was injured while working on a car and lost the use of his legs. Mom and her brothers and sister did not get to complete high school as they took employment to help support the family. Mom was the last surviving sibling in her family. Mom and Dad were Married In march of 1953. The day of their wedding Dad received his draft papers from the army. Grandma waited until after the ceremony to give them the letter. A cute story we always remember. Mom was a city girl and Dad was from the country, on her first trip out to Grandma and Grandpas farm, upon arrival mom saw a huge crib of corn. Mom exclaimed “look at all those bananas!!! Needless to say she was teased a bit for that: ) After 4 years in the army dad was honorably discharged, and they were able to settle down. My sister Debbie came during dads army service, then Steve, and then Michael. All of us children were born in September. I always believed that the Christmas spirit stayed with Mom and Dad through January. If I could use one word to describe my Mom, it would be “Family”. Mom loved being a homemaker, and she arose early and with a joyful dedication she kept the family running. All of my life Mom sent us off to school or work in clean clothes and packed us a lunch. Our home was always very clean and organized, and Mom took great pride in accomplishing the many tasks that made up her day. Mom loved to be around people. She was never one to be shy; she would walk right up to anyone and strike up a conversation. She loved to go out to the store or just go for a walk around the block and meet neighbors and make acquaintances. Mom could just go anywhere where there were a lot of people and enjoy watching them go about their way. Mom also had a special fondness for animals. We always had beagles growing up. Mom treated them just like family and even cooked them a hamburger on Wednesdays and Saturdays which by proclamation of my father were official hamburger days. When the last of her beagles “Buttons” passed away mom kept a picture of Buttons on her dresser and cried over that picture for many months. They were truly best friends. Mom was also kind of bold in that she never really seemed afraid of any task that she took on. She would go fishing with me, or try to ride my motorcycle, or raft down a river, I never saw her fear much of anything. She always just found a way to do anything that she set out to do. I think that the hardest thing my mom ever had to do was to face the death of my sister. Debbie passed away at the young age of 41. There’s nothing more to say than that children should bury their parents. Parents should never have to go through burying their children. My mom was always there for me; she always just knew when I needed help or needed to be cheered up. She went to all of our sports games and practices, and ran us to all of the other events going on in our lives. I never in my whole life ever saw my mom have a lapse of character. She was a great example for my life and a moral compass. I always wanted my children to be around her as she had a gentle way to guide them by her example. I heard many people say things like this about my mom. That she was a one of a kind, my Dad was a very blessed man to have such a wonderful wife, and that I was blessed to have her as a mother. I would have to agree with that. Around the time of Moms 69th birthday she began to get ill. She fell a few times and hit her head. I think this is when it started. The Parkinson’s took away her ability to work, and for my Mom work was what brought her a sense of purpose. I remember trying to find projects for her to do from her wheel chair. It always made her feel good to be doing something. Through all of the sickness Mom always kept her beautiful smile. She was always sweet and caring. She was always thankful towards those who helped her to make it through each day. At times she wanted to give up, but I would encourage her and tell her that it was not her choice, that God would call her when it was her time. So in the end when God finally called her home, she finished the race. She made it all the way to the end of this part of her life. She did it with courage and character, and with her family surrounding her, she went into the loving arms of Christ. I will miss her greatly until my time comes. Irene Pollien is survived by her two sons: Steve Pollien and Michael Pollien, and her 6 grandchildren Steven, Courtney, Shannon, Kristin, Alyssa, and Daniel All praise and honor and glory to our great God. A proud son, Michael William Pollien Funeral Services will be held at St. Charles First Assembly of God Church, 4750 North Service Road, St. Peters, MO 63376 on Saturday, August 25, 2012, at 11 AM. Visitation will be prior to the funeral starting at 9 AM in the church. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, St. Charles.

POLLIEN, Margaret

August 19, 2012