Emily Polacheck, 98, of Endwell, New York passed from this life into God’s loving embrace on March 22, 2026.
Born on November 15, 1927, in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, Emily’s greatest joy was her family, especially visiting over a good cup of (hot!) tea with toast. She was deeply faithful, perpetually resourceful (keeping jars, buttons, and sewing scraps and putting them to good use), sharp witted, and extremely creative. Her sewing, homekeeping, and cooking skills were unmatched, honed by early years working in a sewing factory, and later cleaning homes and working in the Maine-Endwell School District cafeteria. She preserved her Slovak traditions and passed them along to her children and grandchildren, especially her famous pagach with sugar and haluski kapusta. Emily was loving, kind, and absolutely confident that everyone she met had at least a little Slovak ancestry.
She was predeceased by her parents, John and Philomena Smolko; her husband, Cyril Polacheck; her sisters, Mary and Francie; and her brothers, John and Frank. She is survived by her children, Mary Waskie (Ken), Mark Polacheck (Sandra), Martina Shendock (Michael), Michelle Capra (Jim); her grandchildren, Nicole Waskie-Laura (Doug), Matthew Waskie, Arianna Polacheck, Sara Ripple (Dan), Mike Shendock, Stephanie Shendock, Jessica Ortiz (Brad), Douglas Capra (Kirsten), Mark Capra (Christine), Rebecca Bias (Jason), Marissa Skinner (Andrew), Micah Capra (Kelsey); and eighteen great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.
Although Emily’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. A Funeral Mass to honor Emily will be celebrated on March 26, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Church, 207 Hayes Ave. Endicott, NY 13760. The family will receive friends at the church on Thursday from 10:00 AMuntil time of service.