Eleanor J. Polowchena

Hannawa Falls - Eleanor (Curtis) Polowchena, who through sheer strength of will, survived the Depression growing up on a farm, raised five children while working nights as a registered nurse while supporting a disabled husband, and lived with great vitality to 94 years old, passed away on Nov. 21 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital with her loving son, Michael, by her side. Mrs. Polowchena, who was born in 1920, grew up in Brasher Falls, NY with her late parents, Carroll and Jane Curtis and her six siblings, Katherine (LaBrake), Julia (Webber), Alton, Blanche, Elmer, and William, all deceased. After graduating from nursing school in 1943, she traveled to New York City for nurse's training at Bellevue Hospital, a great adventure for a country girl. There, she met and married the late Walter Polowchena on Dec. 1, 1945. The couple eventually had five children, Kathleen (Conboy), Michael, Karen (Hayes), James, and Carol (Connery). They lived in the Bronx, NY, Richmond Hill in Queens, NY, and in Garden City, on Long Island. In 1974, Mrs. Polowchena moved "up home," to be close to her siblings. She settled in Hannawa Falls on the Raquette River, where she resided up until her death. A dedicated nurse, she worked at Canton-Potsdam Hospital until she was 72 years old. In addition to her five children, Mrs. Polowchena leaves her sons-in-law, Michael Conboy, Robert Hayes, and James Connery, and her daughter-in-law, Jacque Frey Polowchena, along with her son Michael's companion, Nina Plaisted. She also leaves 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Mrs. Polowchena enjoyed her regular Tuesday bowling and lunch sessions with her good friends, attending Mass, getting her hair done, playing cards, and playing the slot machines at the local casino. But most of all, she loved spending time with family, whether they were blood relatives or, as she put it, her "adopted" family. Many children who entered her life became an honorary part of her family and she deeply cared for each and every one. She never missed sending a birthday card to her many children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends. Dubbed "Grandma Cookie," she was famous for her homemade doughnuts and chocolate chip cookies. She often said that she was related to half the North Country, and, at her age, it might very well be true. Visiting hours are Monday, Nov. 24 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 at the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop, NY. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 am on Tuesday, Nov. 25 at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Potsdam, NY. Burial will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Brasher Falls. A luncheon will follow at a place to be announced In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army, St. Patrick Church or St. Mary's Church. Memories and condolences can be shared with her family at www.hammillfh.com.