Dorothy "Dot" Polaski

Dorothy M. Polaski of Lancaster, PA, died in her 100th year surrounded by her family at Lancaster Regional Medical Center on Monday, September 16, 2013. Born in Lancaster, she was the eldest daughter of the late John R. and Mary Elizabeth Ginter Grunden. She was married for 44 years to Raymond F. Polaski, who died in 1979. Ray and Dot owned and operated Ray’s Café on the “hill” at the corner of Union and New Dorwart from 1951-1965. In 1967, she began employment at Millersville University as the Lyle Hall kitchen supervisor, retiring in 1978. Dot was a member of Lutheran Church of the Ascension. Affectionately known as “The Soup Lady,” she loved to cook and share her culinary creations with friends and relatives. A member of a card club since the 1950s, she enjoyed playing pinochle. Her bags were always packed in anticipation of travel, especially to the Delaware and North Carolina shores with her family, and to California to visit her brother, Donald, and friends. She was very involved with her family, nieces and nephews, and friends. Surviving are her daughter, Dottie, married to Neal Pedersen, of Lancaster, PA; her son, Ray C. Polaski of Uniontown, PA; two grandsons: R. James Polaski, married to Elaine M., and John M. Polaski, engaged to Christine M. Fazakas; and two great-grandchildren Rebecca L. and Katherine S. Polaski. Dot also is survived by her brother, Donald R. Grunden, married to Olga, of Chula Vista, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Joseph R. Polaski; sister, Alice M. Meekins; brother Elsworth “Zeke” Grunden; and two infant brothers. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Dot’s Celebration of Life Funeral Service on Friday, September 20, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Lutheran Church of the Ascension, 600 East Penn Grant Road, Willow Street, PA, with the Rev. Steven R. Bowser officiating. The family will receive friends at the Church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will be in Millersville Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dot’s name may be made to Christ’s Home for Children, 3182 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, PA 17562.

Dorothy "Dot" Polaski

September 17, 2013