Rolone “Lonie” Polhemus passed away peacefully in Huntington, New York on Feb. 16. She is survived by her sons, Sidney, Bradford and Tyler; nieces Stacey, Heather, Wendy and Bonnie; nephew Lindsey; grandchildren Jessica and Kyle; and great grandchildren James and Judah. She is predeceased by her husband, Sidney Polhemus; parents William and Opal DeRolf; and sisters Marvis Fast and Ardyn Hontz.
Growing up in Floral Park, New York, Polhemus was both of her time and ahead of her time. She loved music of the 40’s and adored watching and playing sports, so much so that she studied physical education at Beaver College (now Arcadia University) in Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania. Later on, by working in her father’s book and greeting card store, she gained the experience of working in a retail establishment and a love of learning – both of which would ultimately play major roles in her life.
Upon marrying Sid Polhemus, Polhemus moved to Centerport, New York and became, in her words, “Martha Stewart before there was a Martha Stewart” with various creative projects that once a year included some rather memorable Halloween costumes for her sons.
Some years later, the family moved to Dayville, Connecticut and Polhemus’ family began a new chapter in their lives. Polhemus quickly became well-known to her sons’ teachers for her commitment to their education and her refreshing, outspoken nature.
While Polhemus possessed an often spicy sense of humor, she was also a shrewd, determined businesswoman. With her husband Sid, Polhemus started The Bargain Sleuth, a surprisingly sophisticated local boutique store business in Northeastern Connecticut’s Quiet Corner in 1974. Polhemus was not only able to continue the business after her husband’s untimely death in 1979, but successfully expanded it to multiple locations.
After closing the business in 1997, Polhemus pushed the envelope of what it meant to be retired and continued her interest in art, history and ancient cultures with many courses at Quinebaug Valley Community College as part of the Learning in Retirement (LIR) program. Via Books on Tape, Lonie also was an avid reader and belonged to a book club where she kept up with the latest in fiction.
Although she struggled with vision at times in life, she maintained an astonishing eye for color, clothing and jewelry and her creativity and worldly outlook inspired many.
Polhemus was an original – forward-thinking, forever curious, resourceful, unconventional, a savvy bridge player, and generous to a fault – but she will always be especially remembered fondly for her quick, colorful, irreverent wit.
A celebration of Polhemus and her life will be held later this year in the Huntington, New York area.
