Polly Merrill Staudinger Covell passed away peacefully at home on September 20, 2014 after a brief illness. Born on August 30, 1927 in Mineola, NY, the daughter of Clifford and Helen Staudinger, Polly grew up in Glenwood Landing, NY with her parents and her sister, Joan. She married Russell Covell in 1952 and together, they enjoyed 62 years of a wonderful family life, raising one daughter, Sally, and two sons, James and Andrew, in Granby, CT. She and Russell moved to Londonderry, NH in 2005.
After graduating from Mills College of Education in New York City, Polly taught kindergarten and first grade before changing professions from classroom teacher to mother and devoting her time and life to her family. Family and opportunity for her children were her priorities, a measure by which she was extremely successful, leading to a very rewarding life.
A family historian and avid reader, Polly shared her love of family and life of learning with her children and grandchildren, and with others who knew her. She was a person of many interests including literature, arts, music, politics, gardening, cooking, sports and travel around the world. She was especially fond of birthdays, holidays and vacations on Cape Cod and elsewhere when the family could gather and enjoy one another and the many recipes passed down from her mother.
Polly was predeceased by her parents, Clifford and Helen Staudinger, and her sister, Joan Dickinson. Survivors include her husband, Russell, daughter, Sally Bertrand, sons, James Covell and Andrew Covell, son-in-law, Michael Bertrand, daughters-in-law, Mary Covell and Margaret Covell, grandchildren, Sarah and Thomas Bertrand and Daniel and Kirsten Covell and other extended family.
The funeral arrangements and service will be private. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium is assisting the family with arrangements.