Bessie Polansky was born in New York City, April 23, 1922 to Joseph and Dora Polansky and died on July 14, 2022 in Kingston Hospital. Bessie is predeceased by her brothers Isidore (Florence) Polan and David (Shirley) Polansky, sisters Molly (Marcus) Foote and Faye (Jerry) Rosenthal, and niece Emily Frankel.
Bessie lived with her brother Isidore and Florence and their children in their Brooklyn, NY home for many years. In 1987 when Isidore and Florence left Brooklyn and moved to Woodstock in order to be near their youngest daughter Jean and her family, Bessie moved with them.
After Isidore and Florence died, Bessie lived alone in Woodstock Meadows Apartments for many years. In July 2020, she moved into Ten Broeck Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing after a couple of falls. Bessie was indestructible and her falls did not stop her! In April 2022 Bessie’s family and friends from all over the country came to Ten Broeck to celebrate Bessie’s 100th birthday. Bessie was well taken care of by the staff at Ten Broeck, and she was well liked, especially her stories.
Bessie always had a story to tell, especially about the times when she met famous people at the Metropolitan Opera House, and at the New York State Theater where the New York City Ballet performed, her favorite ballet company. Bessie was also a big fan of tennis and golf, both of which she watched whenever possible. Bessie had a deep love for animals, especially horses, deer, and dogs; she contributed to any number of animal rescue organizations. She liked to say that she “liked animals better than people.” She always claimed that the reason for her long life was that she was a speed skater as a younger woman.
In addition to the many friends that Bessie made while living in Brooklyn, she had a number of close friends from her years in Woodstock including Harriet Miller, Doris Weber, Oonaja Malagon, David Hecht, Harriet Livanos and many others.
Bessie is survived by her nieces Jean (Stephen) Morris of Woodstock NY, Ilene Rosenbaum and Francine Helfant, nephews Leonard (Jill) Polan, Paul and Marcus Jr. Foote and Dennis and Lee Rosenthal, and Larry Frankel. She is also survived by many grand nieces and nephews including, Daniel Morris, Dustin Polan, Rachel Polan, Alissa Polan, Janet Frankel Orser, and Paul Frankel.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Simpson-Hammerl Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with the arrangements.
Bessie would so greatly appreciate donations to be made to Ten Broeck, the Esopus unit, in her name as well as the local ASPCA.
Online condolences may be left for the family of Bessie by visiting www.SimpsonHammerl.com.
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