Pauline W. Gilleland

Pauline W. Gilleland of New Holland Pa., a lifelong educator, died at home Nov. 23, 2014 just a few days short of her 86th birthday.

Polly was preceded in death by her parents, Cathleen Watchorn Stewart and Doland Watchorn as well as a step father, Walter Stewart - all of California, Pa. Polly was also preceded in death by her loving husband, William W Gilleland of New Holland, Pa.

Polly is survived by her children, William W. Gilleland (Nancy) of Forest, Virginia and Valarie A. Weaver (Doug) of Terre Hill, Pa. Also surviving are three grandchildren: Kimberly Cherry of Forest, Virginia , Kandace McGinnis ( Tom ) of Richmond, VA and Ryan Gilleland ( Kylie ) of Forest, VA, six great grandchildren: Jackson and Aidan Cherry of Forest, Max and Lilly McGinnis of Richmond and Beckett and Merrick Gilleland of Forest.

Polly was a proud graduate of Penn State University with a BS Degree in Education and subsequently received her Master’s Degree in Education from Temple University. Polly spent her entire professional career in early childhood education and had a special place in her heart for those elementary school students who faced challenges in their young lives yet showed so much potential. She worked in several school districts throughout PA including those in: State College, Leola, Brecknock Twp, the Town of New Holland and Lancaster City. Recently Polly established the Pauline W Gilleland Trustees Scholarship at Penn State for those students in financial need in the School of Education who plan to major in and pursue a career in early childhood education.

Polly loved to read and was very active in her Book Club. She also loved music and enjoyed attending church services and chorale performances where Val and / or Doug were performing. She also loved landscaping and flower gardening in particular. She enjoyed the annual summer family vacations at Ocean City, MD and more recently the summer trips to Virginia to visit all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Polly and Bill also enjoyed canoeing and fishing as well as attending Penn State football games.

After the loss of Bill, Polly served as the New Holland regional chairperson in coordinating the fundraising efforts for the American Cancer Society for several years and was also a strong supporter of The Hospice of Lancaster County. Polly’s family would like to give a special thanks to all of those who comforted her during the last few months – in particular Special Care of Lancaster, Affilia Home Health of Lancaster, The New Holland Family Health Center and Hospice & Community Care of Lancaster. Visits and calls from friends Connie Greer, Andy Goldman, Janice Duffey and Jim and Rhonda Farmer were much appreciated as was the care given by Mary Adebisi of Special Care.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Polly will be held at Groff-High, 145 W. Main St., New Holland on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 4:30 pm with Pastor Thomas Nicholas officiating. In lieu of flowers the family would respectfully suggest a donation to Hospice & Community Care, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125, or to The Reformed Presbyterian Church, 21 East Locust Street, Ephrata, PA 17522-2727, or to a charity of your choice.