Pauline Evelyn Ferwerda

Pauline Evelyn "Polly" Ferwerda, née Connelly, passed away August 2, 2024, at the age of 90, in Ocala, Florida, surrounded by family.

Polly was born in Waukegan, Illinois, in 1933 to the late Lemuel and Sarah Connelly. Her family moved to Tampa, Florida when she was in high school. Her family split their time between their home in Tampa, and their other home in Green Turtle Cay, Bahamas, while the family business, Connelly’s Marine, became a staple in the Tampa marine community. Polly attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, where she met Donald Schiff. After college, they married, and Polly ultimately became a mother of four children whom she loved dearly.

An outgoing free spirit, who was musically and artistically talented, Polly was truly a child at heart. She sold Apple computers in the late 70s/early 80s. After realizing the potential to channel her artistic ability through these fancy new computers, she became a graphic designer/typesetter, and she and her second husband David Ferwerda started their own graphic design and typesetting business (KISSCO) in Plantation, Florida. When the business closed, Polly shared her design talent with the North Broward Hospital District in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Polly adored animals, playing the organ, gardening, roller skating, and riding roller coasters. She rode her horse Dolly when she was growing up, she always had dogs and cats in her life. She enjoyed playing her organ, she always had some sort of plant clippings in jars on her kitchen windowsill, she roller skated in competitions with her husband David in the 80s, and she and David traveled around the country to ride the biggest and most exciting roller coasters ever built.

Polly was predeceased by her husband David Ferwerda; sister Marian Wielage, brother Arthur Connelly and former husband Donald Schiff. 

Polly is survived by her beloved children, Laura Fowler of Ocala, FL, Bonnie Smith (Garry) of Ocala, FL, Gregory Schiff (Christine) of Hollywood, FL, Jane Gianoulis (Tony) of Vero Beach, FL; grandchildren, Susan Hawkins, Jennifer Edwards (Travis), Sarah Schiff, and Ethan Schiff; great-grandchildren, Isaiah McLeod, Andrew Horton, Naomi Roberts and Maycee Edwards; nephews David Connelly, Bruce Connelly, Mark Wielage and Robert Wielage, and nieces Sarah Connelly, Suzanne Connelly and Rosemary Wielage.

Polly’s family wishes to express a special thank you to the staff at Bridgewater Park Skilled Nursing, and Hospice of Marion County, for their compassionate and dedicated care.

In lieu of sending flowers to the family, please consider making a donation in Polly’s name to Hospice of Marion County.