E. L. Public Trust Foundation mourns the loss of Polly DeSanto

E. L. Public Trust Foundation mourns the loss of Polly DeSanto

Sadness at death of long-time member

It is with great sadness that the East Lyme Public Trust Foundation learned of the death of long-time member, Polly De Santo. Polly, along with her husband Bob, was one of the original organizers of the Foundation, dating back to 1995. How many people can claim service to one organization for 26 years!

When the Boardwalk was dedicated in 2005, the Master of Ceremonies, John Hoye, was comparing Bob’s incomparable service to that of the Greek mythological hero, Odysseus. He then said of Polly, “Just as Odysseus had his faithful wife, Penelope, who endured through 10 years of War and 10 years more of his Wandering, we also need to mention Bob’s patient wife, Polly. As a member of the Trust she has designed and mailed invitations, kept track of the myriad details involved with this dedication, and-with unparalleled equanimity-supported Bob through many crises, setbacks, and frustrations with this project. Just as faithful Penelope patiently wove her tapestry, Polly produced an interlacing of encouragement, fidelity, and forbearance”

Polly also served as our treasurer from 2014-2016. Despite her health problems, she never complained. Her courage and dedication were great examples of the benefits of service to others. She understood what Ezra Taft Benson meant when he said, “If you really want to receive Joy and happiness, then serve others with all your heart. Lift their burden, and your own burden will be lighter.”

She will be sorely missed by the Foundation, her Family, her Church, and the Town of East Lyme. May “flights of Angels sing Thee to thy rest.”