Obituary of Polly Calhoun

Mary “Polly” Calhoun, 84, of Fonda, NY, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 18, 1939 to the late Allen B. Willand and Mary “Emeline” (Burnham) Willand. 

Polly was born in Pittsfield, MA, and moved to Fonda in 1953. She attended Fonda-Fultonville Central School and although she was only in Fonda for four short years, she graduated as the Valedictorian of her class in 1957. She went on to attend Colby-Sawyer Junior College before coming back home to Fonda to begin a family. 

Polly was an avid reader, a gifted writer and one who loved to “play”. She also loved to challenge herself with word games and was still able to beat anyone who dared to challenge her in Scrabble. She was considered a grammar pro, and spent her life making sure that her family members “toed the mark” when  it came to speaking and writing correctly (which in some cases was a lost cause.) 

On February 14, 1974, she married Edward Calhoun. They shared the next 48 years together enjoying their camp on the Sacandaga and going on many unforgettable trips. Polly was an active member of the Fonda Reformed Church and was recently recognized for 67 years of membership, which was something she was very proud of. 

She worked for 27 years as a legal secretary for Edgar Leonhardt, and 30 years as a Court Attendant at the Montgomery County Courthouse. Although she loved to go to work, she always said her most “important job” was raising her children Allen and Linda. However, her “favorite” job was spending time with Brett, Kyle, Mike, Heather, Allana, Cole and Morgan because they were the ones who called her “Mimi.”

Polly is predeceased by her parents and her husband, Edward. She is survived by her loving family including her son, Allen Calhoun (Butch); her daughter, Linda Hanson (Alan); her step-son, Timothy Calhoun; her sister, Nancy Dodge; her brother, Charles Willand; her grandsons, Brett and Kyle Hanson and her great grandson Wells Hanson, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. Calling hours are from 12:00-2:00pm with the funeral service immediately following at 2pm at Jackson & Betz (now Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart) Family Funeral Home, 15 Main St, Fultonville, NY. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, Tribes Hill.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Frothingham Free Library - 28 W. Main Street, PO Box 746, Fonda, NY 12068.

Online condolences can be made at www.brbsfuneral.com