Mrs. Margaret (Alberico) Polak

Mrs. Margaret (Alberico) Polak, age 93, passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2014 at The Pines at Utica. Her nephew had been tending to her needs prior to her passing. Born in Utica on June 11, 1921, Margaret was the daughter of the late Albert and Mary (Petronio) Alberico. Raised and educated locally, she attended Utica Free Academy. On August 30, 1956 she married John Polak with whom she shared 40 years of which they were true companions of heart and soul, leaving the family many happy memories of a remarkable marriage prior to his passing on November 11, 1996. At one time, Margaret worked as a sales clerk at the downtown Utica Boston Store. She and her husband wintered in Florida and enjoyed the summer and fall in the Port Leyden area. When in Florida she worked for the Belk Lindsey Department Store as well as the Innis Brook Country Club. An active and energetic woman, she was always on the go and enjoyed traveling extensively with her husband. Upon his passing, she returned to her home in Utica. Margaret loved people and always spoke well of others. She was an altruist, often giving gifts and helping others through hard times, sometimes going without for herself. Her humble nature and great trait of generosity endeared her to many friends and were the hallmarks of her legacy. Margaret’s spirituality and love of the Lord set the foundation of her way of life. Her greatest goal in life was to be the best person she could be. With her smile, sense of humor, and support for those she loved, she succeeded. She was “the best”! Margaret is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Albert and Claudine Alberico of Clearwater, FL; her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, sister-in-law, Helen Abt; and the many friendships that she cherished during her lifetime. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Civita and John DeStefanis; her brother and sister-in-law, Dominick and Clara Alberico; and her in-laws, Christine and John Aldine, Susan Polak, Violet Polak, Sam Polak, and Anna Dougherty. A note of gratitude is extended to Dr. Bhisham Garg, an outstanding, compassionate physician; the staffs of the 2nd and 3rd floor at The Pines at Utica who were so wonderful to Margaret and the administrators who treated her with dignity and made her feel important; their kindness and spiritual support was rendered not only to Margaret but to every resident at The Pines. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Margaret's funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Thursday morning at 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Mrs. Margaret (Alberico) Polak

June 11, 1921 - September 20, 2014