Carmela J. Polanik

WORCESTER - Carmela Josephine (Cataldo) Polanik, 99, passed away peacefully, in her home on Saturday Nov. 7, 2026.

Carmela leaves her children: Judith M. Culver (John) of West Stockbridge, Mary F. Sherman (Reggie) of Auburn, Michael A. Polanik (Jeanne) of Merrimack, NH, Sandra J. Polanik (Robert Nesbitt) of Charlton, and daughter-in-law Emily R. Polanik of Laurel Springs, NC; her grandchildren, Kimball Polanik, Alison Sherman (Joseph Bassi), Brian Sherman, Jessica Culver (Ignacio Mendez-Nunez), Justin Polanik (Kristina), Jillian Culver, Andrew Polanik, Erik Polanik (Lauren); her six great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces, nephews and cherished friends.

She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Francis “Frank” Joseph Polanik, her son Joseph G. Polanik, her brother Joseph A Cataldo, and her sister Julia Shultunis. She was born in Millbury, daughter of the late Fortunato and Marietta (Rizzuti) Cataldo.

Carmela was a voracious reader; keeping a dictionary near her so she could look up a word if she didn’t know it. She read the daily WT&G, front to back, so as to keep up with local and national news; often cutting out an article that related to someone she knew and sending it to them. She loved to make jig-saw puzzles (1000 piece), do word-searches, spend time in her many flower gardens, and most of all, spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved hosting holiday dinners at her house, where her motto was “the more the merrier”.

She was a great sewer, making clothes for her children when they were young, Barbie doll clothes, an elaborate prom gown, Christmas stockings for each family member, vestments for her parish priests and later taught her daughters how to sew.

She was a devoted wife, homemaker and mother; always ready to bake a cake for a school fundraiser, finding time to volunteer at Roosevelt Elementary School, assist the Girl Scout leaders, and teach CCD while her children were young.

Carmela was one of the founding members of the St Anne’s Human Services and volunteered for 45 years, only giving it up because she was unable to go down the stairs. She was affectionally called “The Wednesday Supervisor”. She was also involved in a prayer ministry for healing, associated with Tree House Ministry.

Carmela was a Eucharistic Minister for many years, bringing communion to shut ins and patients. In her later years she sent home-made cards as “sunshine mail” as a church outreach program. In addition to various prayer groups, she created her own special project to pray for those who took their own life.

Throughout her life, Carmela was a daughter, sister, wife, aunt, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. The role that really defined her was grandmother. She was also Gramma Mel to many family members and friends. She sent “shoe-box” care packages to her grandchildren in college or deployed in the military. She never missed a graduation, recital, theatrical performance, medal ceremony or wedding. Her grandchildren would call her to ask her to pray for them if they were applying for a new job or in line for a promotion. Up until her last days, she could tell you where each grandchild lived, where they worked, what they did, who they were married to or in a relationship with, and the names of her great grandchildren.

The family wishes to extend its deepest appreciation to the hospice team and caregivers whose compassion, kindness and dedication provided comfort and dignity to Carmela during her final weeks.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Carmela’s life by gathering for her Funeral Mass on Wednesday, Nov. 18th at 11 a.m. in St Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury with burial to follow in Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester. 

Those attending the Mass are asked to go directly to church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to St Anne’s Human Services, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.