Alberta Poll

Alberta J. Poll was an accomplished professional and a devoted wife and mother. The hands that cradled her children and grandchildren also cared for the sick and suffering. Her bright mind and tender heart were gifts of God that she used for His service.

Alberta was born November 17, 1921 to George and Jeanette (Hans) Ehman in Redford, Michigan. Very sadly, her father passed away shortly after her birth. Amid the hardship, the family’s faith and courage sustained them and gave Alberta a solid foundation for life.

In time, Alberta’s mother moved with her daughter to Grand Rapids, where she met and married Jacob Smitter. At the same time, young Alberta gained two step brothers, Claude and Lambert. Again, difficult times struck her family with the Great Depression, and Jacob was out of a job. In 1933, the parents made a decision to move to Arlene, Michigan where open land was available. With a small farm to grow food and raise some cattle, the family was sure to have their basic needs satisfied.

Alberta continued her education at a one-room building called Shippy School. She excelled in her studies and was well prepared to enter high school. She also showed signs of leadership and was elected class president. When she graduated from Manton High School in 1939, Alberta received the highest academic and leadership honor: valedictorian.

Alberta furthered her education at Mercy Central Nursing School in Grand Rapids, Michigan and graduated as a Registered Nurse (R.N.) in August of 1942. As diligent as Alberta was about her schooling, she made room in her heart and life for Milfred Poll, whom she had known since Shippy School days. The two were very much in love and planned a future together. It began the day after she graduated from nursing school on August 17, 1942. On that day, Alberta and Milfred were married in a small ceremony at the parsonage of the Arlene Christian Reformed Church, with Rev. Peter Van Tuienen officiating.

The newlyweds made Grand Rapids their home, and Alberta worked with Dr. John TenHave. But she also followed Milfred from base to base during the years that he served in the military. It was a sacrifice she was glad to make and an experience that broadened her horizons. On one trip to New York City, she was privileged to dance to the music of Guy Lombardo at the grand New Yorker Hotel.

After the war, Alberta and Milfred moved into a home on Widdicomb Street NW in Grand Rapids. During the four years there, their sons Eddie and Michael were born. The family joined the Seventh Reformed Church and became very involved in the life and activities of the church. Later, they purchased a home on Calvary Street NW, and their family grew. They were blessed with five more boys, but sorrowfully, one son passed away in infancy.

Alberta’s children were the center of her activities. She was involved in all aspects of their lives, from schooling to scouting. She volunteered with PTA groups of the schools her boys attended, and under her encouragement and investment, all the boys achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

The family of faith also played a significant role in Alberta’s life. She was a member of Remembrance Reformed Church on the city’s west side and then Calvary Church (non-denominational) for several years. Her love for God was extended to those she served as a nurse. She kept up her skills by working part time at St. Mary’s Hospital in the OB wing. In later years, she worked at the hospital full time and retired in 1980, after 15 years of dedicated service.

In 1970, Milfred bought a Harley Davidson motorcycle, and the adventure of travel took Alberta and him to many places of interest east of the Mississippi. After about ten years of being free spirits on a bike, they sold it and bought a Buick. Come winter, they headed for warmer climates and longer stays that included lots of golf with friends. Their favorite spots were Brownsville, Texas and later Arizona where their oldest son Ed had a home. Though Alberta only rode along while Milfred golfed, she was busy with interests of her own: crafts, oil painting, ceramics, knitting and cross stitch. The two of them shared a full life of faith, family and fun.

As time went on, Milfred’s health confined him to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. Alberta not only visited her husband, she also volunteered her time at the facility. The piano and organ skills that she had put to use years earlier in the church, Alberta offered to the Home by playing organ at the worship services there.

After 65 years of marriage, Milfred passed away in February of 2006. Alberta continued to live in her home on Calvary Street until she fell and was admitted to hospital. Following a hospital stay, she was transferred to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, where she passed away on Thursday April 30, 2009.

Alberta’s life of love and dedication to her family and the hundreds who received her care is a testament to the grace and mercy of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Alberta J. Poll, R.N., aged 87 of Grand Rapids, was preceded in death by her infant son, her husband Milfred Poll, her daughter-in-law Jane Mason-Poll. She is survived by her sons Edward Poll R.N., Michael and Linda Poll, Thomas and Pat Poll, Russell and Debra Poll, Rogor Poll, R. Kevin and Donna Poll, 16 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, one great great grandson several cousins and her pseudo nieces Mary Lambregtse, Joanne Oehrl and Cathy Knott. A funeral service will be held Monday at 11 AM at Seventh Reformed Church Chapel, 950 Leonard St. NW, with Rev. William Fennema officiating. Interment will be in Washington Park Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Poll reposes at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van’t Hof Chapel, 851 Leonard N.W, where relatives and friends may meet her family Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. To share a memory or sign the online register book please visit www.lifestorynet.com