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Polly Logan Aschom

November 13, 1932 - May 13, 2023

Polly Logan Aschom Polly Logan Aschom
  • Funeral
  • Private
  • Burial Location
    Private

Polly Logan Aschom, 90, of St. Charles IL passed peacefully on Saturday, May 13th at Aurora Lakeland Medical Center in Elkhorn WI.

Daughter of Robert Shupe Klingensmith and Alberta Logan Lindsay Klingensmith, Polly was born on Nov 13, 1932 in New Kensington, PA. She graduated from Michigan State University and worked for Delta Airlines from 1955 to 1962 as a Stewardess in Miami and Base Manager in Chicago. 

In all her travels with Delta, she came across Captiva Island FL in the late 1950s and fell in love with its old charm, sunsets, shelling and snook fishing. She later shared her passion for the island with her husband and children, spending most family vacations in their second home there.

Polly lived in Geneva IL for nearly 60 years and her love for the arts led her to conceive and coordinate the ground-breaking Festival of the Arts held at Fox Valley Presbyterian Church in 1969 that showcased black artists from Chicago. In 1979, she commissioned and fundraised for one of those artists to create the Mill Flower Sculpture, made from old gears of the Bennett Mill, on the banks of the Fox River.

From 1979-1982, Polly was a Charter member of the Board of the Renaissance Repertory Company, including President in 1981, that started Shakespeare In The Park, a free outdoor summer theater on Island Park, which continues to this day. 

She led a life of volunteering, including with the American Cancer Society, Friends in Service Here (FISH), and the Geneva public schools. She was a volunteer Probation Officer and a Board Member of the Community Chest and Fox Valley Hospice, as well as an Elder with the Fox Valley Presbyterian Church where she taught theological studies. She was also a beloved greeter at the Third Tuesday community dinners held at the United Methodist Church. 

In 1985, she joined her husband as co-owner of Ira Jones Company in the Merchandise Mart in Chicago, selling giftware to large department stores and small mom-and-pop gift shops. 

Polly was a master of English writing who loved to craft a story or a thank you note, precisely editing and re-editing until she was satisfied with the finished product. She was also a gifted singer who loved to harmonize to her favorite songs. Her gift for calming and healing pain through therapeutic touch was extraordinary, and she had a deep appreciation for nature, especially large majestic trees, sandhill cranes, great blue herons and songbirds. 

She loved to host a good party for her dear friends, especially on New Year’s Day with her signature slowly baked lemon pepper ribs. She was a gracious and thoughtful woman whose hugs came from her heart. Graceful and always put together from head to toe. Her love for family and friends was, and always will be, felt deeply. 

Polly is survived by her daughter Barbara and son Logan, son-in-law Daouda, daughter-in-law Erin and two granddaughters, Mariama and Genevieve, as well as her sister Joan Lindsay Woodard, nieces Kimberlee, Heidi and Kim, and nephews David, Steve, Doug and Josh. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Thomas, of nearly 60 years, in September 2021, and her niece Gail in March 2022.

A private service will be held, followed by interment at Oak Hill Cemetery in Geneva.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago IL 60601, or the International Crane Foundation, Attn Gift Processing, P.O. Box 447, Baraboo WI 53913.

Condolences


Emily from Geneva, IL

"It’s nice to think eventually the Ashams & Rogers will be neighbors forever."


Carol Lindsay from Flagstaff, AZ

"Adored you, sweet Cuz. Thank you for everything beautiful."


Jill Wroble from Naperville, IL

"Such a wonderful life! The world is missing a beautiful soul. Condolences to her family."


Sonja Gallagher from Geneva, IL

"I adored Polly's sense of humor and quick wit when we first met working the 3rd Tuesday dinners at United Methodist Church Geneva, IL. I was blessed to have this friendship. What a special lady. Thanks for the laughter, Polly. Miss you and your laugh already. Deepest sympathy to her family."


Teresa Jennings from BARRINGTON, IL

"Polly was one of a kind. Beautiful lady inside and out. Her kindness and generosity will never be forgotten. Hugs to Barb and Logan and your families. She will be missed."


Cathy Koch from Lake Geneva, WI

"Polly and I both worked for Delta Air Lines as stews/flight attendants and I loved her stories she shared with me about the Golden Age of travel. She was a beautiful soul and I’m so glad I knew her. Deepest sympathy to all."


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