Kathryn Winifred Polky

Obituary Kathryn (Sis) Polky Kathryn (Sis) Winifred Polky, 90, passed away on August 28, 2012 in Tacoma, WA. She was born December 3, 1921 to early Old Tacoma pioneers and immigrants from the Island of Hvar, Croatia, Nick and Helen (Jelica) Mullan. She was very proud of her Croatian Heritage and continued many Croatian traditions with her family. Kathryn graduated from St. Patrick's Grade School. In 1940, she graduated from Aquinas Academy. After graduation she worked as a secretary at Williams Heating in Old Town. On November 15, 1945, she married Walter Tauno Polky, spending their first year of marriage at the US Naval Air Station on Whidbey Island. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother to her two children John Nicholas & Mary Ellen. Kathryn's Catholic faith was important to her throughout her life. Attending St. Patrick's Catholic Church in her early years, and then St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Fife. After 44 years in Fife, Kathryn and Walter moved to Fircrest. Following Walter's death, she continued to live there for a few more years until moving to Merrill Gardens Tacoma in 2008. Kathryn (Sis) was very proud to have been the very first resident to move into the brand new retirement home. Kathryn (Sis) touched many hearts. Her kindness and selfless caring and giving made her special to her family and everyone she met. She spent many years crocheting and knitting special gifts for family and friends. She played the piano and violin when she was young. She was active in her children's activities while they were attending Fife Schools. She enjoyed bowling (Wii Bowling in her later years) Kathryn and Walt enjoyed several cruises. Special times were spent with her Aquinas Classmates, and "The Old Town Gals". She learned to use the computer when she was 88 and enjoyed many activities at her retirement home. Kathryn was proceeded in death by her loving husband, Walter, in 2002, her parents, and three brothers and sister-in-laws, Andy (Irene), Steve (Pearl), and Phil (Lee) Mullan, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Henry & Elsie Polky. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law John and Nancy Polky, Kent, her daughter and son-in-law, Mary Ellen and Jerry Piro, Bellevue, and her niece Mavis Kilpatrick. Grandchildren: Nathaniel and Jordan Polky, Meredith, Teresa, Mark and Evan Piro, Baron Nicolo Carr, her first great-grandchild, was born to Teresa and Dave on May 17, 2012. Auntie Sis is also survived by many nieces and nephews and also dear friends of many ages. The family would like to thank the staff, caregivers and friends at Merrill Gardens Tacoma, Dr. Bradley Schmitz, Allenmore Hospital, nurses, therapists and caregivers at Manor Care of Tacoma who took care of Kathryn in her final days. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 5, 2012, 11:00 am at Gaffney Funeral Home, 1002 South Yakima Avenue in Tacoma. At a later date, inurnment at Tahoma National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.