November 1, 1948 ~ March 9, 2024
Carol Ann (Smith) Polk, beloved wife of the late Kenneth Polk, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 9, 2024. Born in Somerville, she was the loving daughter of the late Joseph Martin and Mary June (Michaels) Smith.
“Carol Cake” or “Ma” as often referred to by her family, grew up in Medford MA and attended Medford schools and college. As a homemaker she raised her 3 children before going on to become an Executive Administrative Assistant at the Food and Drug Administration where she worked until her retirement.
Carol enjoyed many things. In her younger days, she was an avid seamstress, making clothing, costumes, and other items for her children. There was no craft project she would shy away from and she delighted to share her creations with family and friends. Carol was also a collector of many sorts and always loved the thrill of finding that “good bargain.” She was also a terrific pool player and somewhat of a card shark and her competitiveness was something to be admired. When it came to her appearance, it didn’t matter if she was going out or staying in; if it was shiny or sparkly, she would be wearing it! Whenever there was a gathering, Carol was the life of the party, lighting up the room with her vivacious personality. She was a very giving and generous person, always showing compassion towards others. Carol loved her family immensely and unconditionally and enjoyed spending time with them. The annual family vacations in Franconia Notch at Mittersill Alpine Lodge and Sebago Lake in Maine were family favorites where many fond memories originated. Friday nights were another favorite and were known as “pizza night,” where the family would gather for pizza and games. She always said how blessed she was to have 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren and how much joy they brought her.
Although she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis, she never gave up the battle or allowed it to destroy her spirit or hold her back from living a full life. Until the time her health limitations prevented her, she was an active parishioner at St. Agnes Church in Reading and always kept a deep faith rooted in God and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Carol will be deeply missed by her devoted children, family, and dear friends. Her family would like to specially thank Toni Gerachi for all of her hard work, love, care and support she provided Carol the last several years.
Carol is the devoted mother of Michelle Venuti and her husband George of Lakeville, Leane Scott and her husband William of North Reading and Kenneth Polk and his wife Diana of Tewksbury. Cherished grandmother or as the kids call her, “Gramcracker” and “Grammy Spammy” of Caleigh, Aubrey and Nico Venuti, Joshua Scott and his significant other Harley Maynard, Taela Scott and her significant other Dylan Morabito, Derek Scott, Jayden Polk and James and Jacob Hoffman. Loving great-grandmother of Damon and Coral Scott. Sister of Mary Cunningham and her husband Paul and Martin Smith. Loved Sister-in-law of Debra Ebert, Jeanne Warnock and Carolyn Del Rossi.
Family and friends are cordially invited to visiting hours at the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St., North Reading (Corner of Park St. and Rt. 28 at the Reading Line) on Wednesday, March 13th, 2024 from 4 to 7pm.
Funeral to be held from the Cota Funeral Home, on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 9:30am, followed by a funeral mass Celebrating Carol at St. Agnes Church, 176 Woburn St., Reading at 10:30am.
Burial to follow in Wood End Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Carol’s Memory to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 465 Waverley Oaks Rd Suite 202, Waltham, MA 02452 or online at www.nationalmssociety.org
