Mary Polonus

Mary Helen Polonus, age 84, of Colorado Springs, passed away peacefully early in the morning on Monday, April 24, 2023. She is survived by her sister, Kay Shank and husband Larry; her six children: five daughters Kathy Brown and husband Pallas, Dianne Wilkins and husband Greg, Chris Jones and husband Doug, Tina Moore and husband Kevin, and Terry Montague and husband Mark, her son Tony Polonus and wife Ann; twelve grandchildren: Nicky Sanok and husband Brad, Michelle Prose and husband Tom, Geoff Wilkins, Camille Moore, Jacob Wilkins, Kristen Moore, Michael Montague, Fred Jones, Troy Montague, Kyle Moore, Makayla Montague, and Cayce Polonus (and Cayce’s brother, Justin Wheeler); and three great grandchildren: Morgan, Harrison, and Meredith (with a fourth, James, on the way).

Mary was born on August 18, 1938 to Earl and Helena Clancy in Peoria, Illinois. She was the fourth of five children: Don, Larry, Bob, Mary, and Kay. In high school she was introduced to Fredric Gerald “Jerry” Polonus, who she married on April 26, 1958. Together they had six children; in 1961, Jerry and Mary moved their family to Colorado Springs where they spent the rest of their days. Mary was an incredible wife, mother, and homemaker. While raising her kids she was also a room mother, carpool driver, school library volunteer, church cleaner, and hospital baby cuddler. In 1970 Jerry was diagnosed with Leukemia and began treatment that would continue until his death on April 13, 1998. During his illness Mary never left his side, caring for him while also being a supportive mother and grandmother.

Mary is remembered fondly for her contagious smile and kindness, her good humor, her love of Hallmark movies, her forever sweet tooth for milk chocolate, and the occasional margarita! Her home was always warm and welcoming, decorated with pictures of family and a faint smell of something delicious in the oven. She had great taste in music to include Kenny Rogers, Neil Diamond, and Ricky Martin. She was a voracious reader and a talented quilter, needleworker, baker, puzzle-solver, and stained glass dabbler. She found community among her church, the Red Hat Society, and her long-time friends and neighbors. Her favorite holiday was Christmas because it ensured she would be surrounded by her giant family. We will think of her always, especially when we make recipes like Grandma’s Rolls, Hamballs and Goop, Hobo Stew, Johnny Magetti, Lasagna, Cookie Canes, Ham and Beans, Scalloped Potatoes, Thanksgiving Dressing, and her elusive Lemon Meringue pie.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialgardensfuneralhome.com for the Polonus family.