Mildred (Polen) Halamay

Mildred (Polen) Halamay

Millie Halamay, 95, entered into God’s rest peacefully on February 22, 2023. “The most precious gifts I have received in my life: my faith and my family. I have been blessed.”
Born September 24, 1927 in Akron, Ohio to parents, Mary and Michael Polen. Her spiritual home with St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church extended for her first 78 years and then transitioned in 2005 to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church.

Millie enjoyed early careers as a beautician and also as a commercial model. A few of her greatest pleasures and joys were travels with friends and family, the art of Calligraphy, Needlework and maintaining her home and yard throughout her 95 years.
She leaves a lasting legacy of generosity and kindness, touching many through selfless endeavors with commitment as a volunteer and lifelong member to the League of Mercy Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, member of Internal Orthodox Christian Charities and Friends of the Elms with Dominican Sisters of Peace for over 30 years. Millie was most heartened by her involvement with the Summit Service League as a founding member in the development of Tarry House, one of the earliest transitional homes in Akron, created in 1967. Her many visitations to nursing homes were also exceptionally special in her heart. Reading from Millie’s personal journal: “Volunteering was like a prayerful act for me. If you could experience the satisfaction of uplifting the life of someone who has nothing or no one who cares for them. Hanging on to you, begging you to stay or come back. To see them wanting a hug or holding their hand. It made me feel blessed for taking the time to be there for someone who needed to be loved in some small way.”
Millie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ross, of 55 years; sisters Pauline (Harold) Miller, Lillian (Gene) Perry and son-in-law, Shawn Duncan. She is survived by her loving family, son, Greg (Vickie) Halamay; daughter, Denise and granddaughter, Shawna Duncan. Millie was also a Godmother to six.

Family and friends are welcome to celebrate the life of our mother with calling hour to begin at 12 noon, Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at St. George Church, 3204 Ridgewood Rd., Akron. Service at 1 PM officiated by Fr. John Al-Assaf and Fr. Basil Shaheen. Internment following at Rose Hill Burial Park. The Meal of Mercy to succeed at St. George Church.

The Halamay family wishes to extend gratitude to Heritage Crossing and Promedica Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion.

Services in care The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333.