Kathleen “Kay” Polga, 81, died in Boston on February 24 after complications from several health issues, including cancer. A lifelong learner and educator, Kay lived in Brookline for over 50 years. She was an instructor and ultimately the coordinator of ESL (now ELE) for Brookline’s public schools before retiring. Kay received her undergraduate degree from the College of St. Catherine (now St. Catherine University) in St. Paul, MN in 1967. Following her graduation, she found her passions for travel and teaching through her Peace Corps work in Ethiopia. Kay later earned a Master’s degree from Columbia University.

Kay was born in St. Paul, MN, on February 5, 1945, to school superintendent Benjamin J. Polga and his wife, Margaret Skogland Polga. Kay was predeceased by her brother, Dr. James “Jim” Polga, and Jim’s son Justin. She is survived by her sister Margaret R. Hinkle and her husband, Hiller Zobel; sister Mary Ellen Polga and her husband, Steven “Chip” Hecimovich; sister-in-law Kit Polga; cherished nieces and nephews Marin, Mark, Alun, Kate, Gillian, John, and Peter; dear grandnieces and grandnephews; numerous cousins. and many longtime friends, especially Joan Tieman.

Kay’s boundless curiosity, sharp intelligence, gentle compassion, and acerbic wit were known well by all who mourn her. Kay was always eager for updates from her family and friends. She was a voracious reader throughout her life.

When Kay moved to Chestnut Park a year ago, her beloved Siamese cats, Marco and Nino, moved with her. Kay was devoted to her various cats throughout her long life. She tended to their needs, encouraged their personalities, and overfed them constantly.

Kay also never failed to make family and friends laugh. Her bright mimicry and her observations of human folly endeared her to others. She had no time for cant or ego. If, occasionally, one had to absorb the sudden breeze of a salty word near Kay, it was a small price to pay for her laugh and warmth of spirit. During her recent hospital stays, it was a sign of Kay’s remarkable gift for connection that she would invariably learn the backstories of all the caretakers with whom she came in contact. Kay’s mind was sharp until the end; it was her body that required peaceful rest, and that is what she ultimately earned. She is already greatly missed.

A Commemoration of Kay’s Life will be held in Minnesota in the early summer. In lieu of flowers, please direct gifts in Kay’s name to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.