Maria Palmira (Polly) Wiles went home Wednesday morning after a several years struggle with Alzheimer's. She passed peacefully in her sleep, at home, with family by her side. It is cliche' to say, but the world is now a little less bright, loving and good. She was the epitome of kindness, integrity, love, generosity, class and goodness. It was these qualities that made her the best mother, RN and human being anyone who met her would have ever known. She was a fiercely devoted woman; devoted to her family, friends, church, coworkers and patients. She single-handedly raised and provided for seven children - often doing without for herself. Her home was a haven for family and friends. It was the original Urgent Care for any and all of the neighborhood kids who were hurt while playing outdoors. Playing outdoors used to be a thing. Although she was a loyal and devoted wife to the father of her children, she was madly in love with Elvis Presley. One might say she had a "Burning Love" for him. The degree of that love was once measured at 'hunk a hunk a'. She had a quick and wicked sense of humor that was passed on to her children and stayed with her until the end. She was also the family's undisputed Scrabble champion and never met a crossword puzzle she could not complete....in ink.
Polly was born on December 19, 1936, in Waterbury, Connecticut to Portuguese immigrants, Manuel and Lucinda Alves. She was a first generation American. She was the baby of three girls. She attended very strict Catholic schools through High School. To hear her tell it, the schools were rife with angry, ruler wielding nuns that never met knuckles they didn't pop for any and all, un-ladylike or similar indiscretions. Later in life, with her children, she preferred a wooden spoon. It was quite effective. She attended nursing school at St. Mary's hospital in Waterbury and graduated in 1956. She finished her career as a RN supervisor at Forsyth Memorial Hospital after nearly 30 years of service.
She is survived by two sisters, Laura Lucia and Delores Vail. Her seven children. Garl (Teresa), Philip, Karen McAnally (Dean), Mark (Taryn), Michael, Christopher (Melanie) and Cindy Gentry (Brian). Also, eighteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren, to whom she was lovingly known as Vauby. And, lastly, six nephews, two nieces and a host of defacto children that "adopted" her as their mother. The measure of her love and influence was never more evident than two nights before she passed, when the majority of her grandchildren, in their teens and early twenties, stood vigil at her bedside, swapping Vauby stories until 2:30 in the morning. Twice during that time, she opened her eyes, scanned the room, and quietly said, "All my babies". She was a catalyst for a plethora of similar memories and recollections that will be passed on for generations. She saw the beauty in life and made life beautiful.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday at Holy Family Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Westlawn Gardens of Memory in Clemmons. The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm Monday at Frank Vogler and Sons Clemmons Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Multiple Sclerosis and/or neurofibromatosis charities of your choice.
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