Pauline Chase

Pauline "Polly" Crouse Chase, 78, of Green, Ohio passed away peacefully on November 15, 2021.

Born in Akron to Roland and Josette Robert, Polly was the middle child in a house of three exuberant girls. She attended St. Peter's Elementary and graduated from St. Vincent High School in 1960, continuing to the University of Akron where she earned a B.A. in English and was a proud member of Theta Phi Alpha sorority.

Polly was a trailblazer, a young woman unafraid to challenge herself, joining the Peace Corps after college. She taught English in Turkey, first in Diyarbakir then in Ankara, an exhilarating experience filled with adventure. Upon returning from Turkey, Polly married the first love of her life, James "Jim" Crouse, whom she met while both were singing in the University Chorus at Akron U. Polly embraced the move to Jim's family's Homewood Farm in Portage Lakes where for years she maintained an incredible rose garden, following in the footsteps of her father.

Polly taught English as a second language at UA, then turned her attention to volunteerism, where she made an indelible mark on the Akron community and developed many great friendships. Her participation included the Junior League of Akron, the Akron Garden Club, the St. Vincent HS Alumni Board, and the Board of Portage Path CMHC, serving for a term as president. Perhaps her proudest civic contribution was as a member of the Women's Board of Akron Children's Hospital, joining in 1974 and serving as president in 1995-96. Her years of service to the community earned Polly the Fr. Thomas Mahar Outstanding Alumni Award from the STVM Alumni Association, and Sustainer Inspiration Award from the Junior League.

Polly and Jim had a wonderful life together, gardening, boating and entertaining. They raised two children and spent many hours sharing their love of learning with them. A true logophile, Polly was fascinated by words and reveled in her ability to use them in creative ways. Following Jim's unexpected death in 1991, Polly soldiered on. She maintained operations at the farm and continued her volunteer work, all while dealing with early-onset macular degeneration. While her sight may have dimmed, the bright light behind Polly's eyes never did, always maintaining the positive outlook that defined her.

A condolence letter from a former college beau led to a new beginning for Polly. She began to correspond with Joseph "Joe" Chase, and in 1993 they married. Joe joined Polly at Homewood and helped there, while Polly aided in the management of Joe's rental properties. A kind soul, Joe served as Polly's eyes, helping ease the frustration of blindness, and together they enjoyed traveling, entertaining, and spending time with grandchildren.

Most people are lucky to have one great love in their lives. Polly had two - three, if you count the lifelong love affair that began in childhood and continued until her death. Her devotion to the Cleveland Indians was unwavering and she crossed off a bucket-list item by attending a World Series game in 2016.

Polly cared deeply about people, truly listening, and maintaining interest in their lives. She was the epitome of a lady, exemplifying poise and grace, with an unforgettable smile and a legendary ability to make people feel welcome. Please help honor her memory by bringing light into the lives of others.

Polly is survived by sister, Jeanne (Lee) Kleinbeck; daughter, Barbara (Craig) Babbitt; son, James A. Crouse; grandchildren, Will, Ted, and Caroline Babbitt and Alden and Drystan Crouse; and many loving family and friends. Polly is predeceased by first husband, James R. Crouse; second husband, Joseph T. Chase; father, Roland O. Robert; mother, Josette R. Robert; and sister, Eva Moreland.

Calling hours will take place on Sunday, November 28, 2021 from 2-5 pm at Hummel Funeral Home, 500 E. Exchange St. A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 29, 2021 at 11:00 am at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1361 W. Market St. Akron.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Women's Board of Akron Children's Hospital.