Pauline Ann "Polly" Carson

Pauline Ann Carson (nee Kotopka)

Pauline Ann “Polly” Carson, 82, died September 9, 2019 after a brave battle with cancer.

Born August 27, 1937 in Bridgeport, Ohio to Louis P. and Mary Ann Demchok Kotopka, Polly graduated from Bridgeport High School, then Ohio Valley Hospital School of Nursing.  She was a registered nurse for over twenty years where she worked at a pediatrician’s office, the Richfield Coliseum, and as a school nurse at St. Vincent - St. Mary High School, where her children attended.

Polly married James H. “Jim” Carson September 12, 1959.  The couple moved to Akron in the 1960s and established deep roots in the community.  They built long lasting friendships and enjoyed many social events together.  Through these decades-long friendships Polly continued to meet with friends for Book Club and for monthly breakfast gatherings.

Polly was guided in life by her strong faith.  She was an active member of Christ Woodland United Methodist Church in Akron for over 40 years.  She coupled her faith and education by serving others through medical missions abroad and volunteerism.

One of the charities Polly held dear to her heart is Haven of Rest Ministries where she started volunteering with her husband, and their children.  Polly participated for decades by serving food, making donations and contributions.  On Mondays, Polly would meet with friends of the Auxiliary Board of Stan Hywet Hall & Garden and donate her time cutting flowers and making floral arrangements.  She also volunteered at many of their events such as Ohio Mart.  You would often find Polly volunteering at other community events such as the Elves & More and the Akron Marathon.  Through her devotion to volunteerism, Polly showed her family the importance of giving back to the community and caring for others.

She was an avid reader, enjoyed keeping her mind sharp with sodoku and crossword puzzles, and loved keeping physically fit by working out at the Wellness Center in the valley, up until just a few months ago.  One of Polly’s favorite hobbies was traveling.

The travel bug started with her husband Jim and was passed along to their children.  Polly has traveled all over the world.  She chipped away at the Berlin Wall, stood on the Great Wall of China, bicycled part of the Tour de France, walked underground catacombs  in the Czech Republic, toured Spain with her brother Art, and enjoyed Greece, England, Russia, Denmark and various other destinations.

Polly’s priority was family. She cherished her loving relationships with her brothers and sisters, their spouses and the many nieces and nephews as well as the strong bonds with her husband Jim’s extended family which continued after he passed.  Polly’s greatest passion and lifelong devotion was with her children and grandchildren where she instilled faith, community service, love and kindness to everyone.

Polly was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 38 years, Jim and brothers, Frank, Louis and John Kotopka; she is survived by her three children; son, James A. Carson and daughter-in-law, Margaret L. Carson (nee Oyenque) of Memphis, TN; daughter, Susan Carson Rodgers and son-in-law, Dean A. Rodgers of Jackson Township; and daughter, Karen Carson and partner Christine Spinelli of Akron; grandchildren, James O. Carson, Margaret A. Carson, William O. Carson, Megan C. Rodgers, Jessica C. Rodgers and Grace P. Carson; sisters, Eva Reynolds, Marie Vargo and Frances Delande; and brother, Art Kotopka.

Services will be held 11a.m. FRIDAY at Christ Woodland United Methodist Church, 444 N. Hawkins Ave., Akron, OH 44313, with Rev. Debbie Gibbons officiating. Interment at Chestnut Hill Memorial Park. Friends may call at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., THURSDAY, from 4 to 7 p.m. and one hour before services FRIDAY at Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Haven of Rest Ministries, 175 E. Market St., Akron, OH 44308 or The Auxiliary Board of Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, Inc., 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303.

Services in care of Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, 85 N. Miller Road  Akron, OH