Pauline "Polly" Vinicombe

Anyone who knew Polly would agree she was devout, loyal, and deeply caring. She had an approachable nature and a unique ability to draw people to her with ease.

Polly’s passion for serving others blossomed early in life. Her warm smile, quick wit, and generous spirit were gifts that made everyone feel like a friend. As a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, leader, and friend, Polly’s legacy of love and kindness will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Born on April 7, 1926, in Independence, Wisconsin, Polly was the daughter of Lawrence and Sarah Sygulla. Growing up on the family farm in western Wisconsin, Polly shared a joyful childhood with her siblings Rosalie, Tracy, and Benny. She graduated from Independence High School in 1944 and soon pursued her passion for helping others, earning her nursing degree from St. Francis Nursing School in La Crosse, Wisconsin, in 1950.

Polly’s adventurous spirit led her on a life-changing journey aboard the Queen Elizabeth to Europe, where she visited Rome during the Holy Year Pilgrimage and experienced Lourdes. A traveler at heart, she later explored Cuba, embracing life’s opportunities with boundless curiosity and wonder.

Polly’s nursing career began at Hines V.A. Hospital in Chicago, where she cared for veterans with unwavering compassion and made lifelong friends. While in Chicago, she developed a love for baseball, becoming a devoted Chicago Cubs fan; a passion she passed down to her children and grandchildren. It was in Chicago that Polly met her future husband, Gerald Vinicombe, and the two were married in 1960.

In 1961, Polly and Gerald welcomed their firstborn, Scott, in Berwyn, Illinois. Two years later, they settled in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where their daughter Rene’ was born in 1963. Polly skillfully balanced her career and family life, serving as a nurse at the V.A. Hospital in Battle Creek for 25 years. Her dedication to veterans and her community never wavered.

A devout Catholic, Polly was an active member of St. Augustine Catholic Parish in Kalamazoo, where she volunteered for over 60 years. Her rosary was never far from her, and her deep faith inspired her countless acts of kindness. Polly adored her town of Kalamazoo, spending time with her wide circle of friends, and cherished every moment with her beloved grandchildren.

Even though Polly didn’t become a grandmother until she was almost 80, she had a real connection with her grandsons. When they were toddlers, she would get down on the floor and they would climb all over her. As they grew older she played ball with them and even joined them sledding down the hill when she was in her 80’s. She enjoyed watching their journey as they grew into young men.

Polly is survived by her children: Scott (Madonna) Vinicombe, and her daughter Rene’ (Russell) Bryant; and her grandchildren: John Paul and Michael Vinicombe, who were the light of her life.

Mass will be celebrated Monday, January 20, at 10 AM at St. Augustine Cathedral, Kalamazoo. Visitation will begin one-hour prior. A reception will follow in the Rectory. Private burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Celebrate Polly’s life online by sharing favorite stories and photos on her dedicated web page at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial donations may be directed to St. Augustine Cathedral. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.