South Sutton, N.H. —
Mary, better known as Polly, grew up in Stratford, Conn. She graduated from Stratford High School and continued on to secondary school earning a certificate in secretarial skills. Polly took a summer job at Snows Inn in Chatham, Mass. where she met her spouse of 62 years, Dave Henderson. They were married on Nov. 5, 1955, at the home she grew up in.
Polly had many hobbies, including knitting, rug hooking and sewing. She was also a competitive tennis player, accomplished downhill skier, learned how to play the accordion, enjoyed watching movies and mostly enjoyed time with friends and family. With her husband Dave, they played in numerous tennis tournaments, enjoyed skiing in Europe and renovated multiple homes. They raised their family in Carlisle, Mass. While raising an active family of four, Dave built a 27’ sailboat in his workshop and Polly sewed the sails in the bedroom. Polly, Dave and the four children spent many years sailing out of Barnstable Harbor on Cape Cod. Once the children were grown, Polly and Dave sold their home and the two of them moved on board a 60’ wooden ketch kept in Boston Harbor for the next 10 years. It was during this time that Polly returned to school and earned her associates in Nursing from Northern Essex Community College.
Polly is survived by her spouse, Dave; her son, David and wife, Pam of Barnstable, Mass., her son, Aaron and wife, Nancy of Kittery Pointe, Maine; and her daughter, Sarah Howard and partner, Greg Croteau of Eliot, Maine; and her son-in-law, Stephen Howard. Polly leaves 13 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Polly also leaves two siblings, Patty Anthony of Palos Verdes, Calif. and Duane Haley of Bloomfield, Conn. Polly was predeceased by her brother, Ted Haley of Milford, Conn. and her daughter, Rebecca Henderson.
A memorial Service will be held at her home, 1 Meeting House Hill Road, South Suttonon Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016, between the hours of 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations made to The National Parkinsons Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131; www.parkinson.org.