She was born on Bailey Island on March 24, 1927, the daughter of Stanley I. and Edna Perry Baker.
One of seven children, she grew up on Orr’s and Bailey Island where she attended island schools and later Brunswick High School.
She married Walter W. Toothaker of Cundy’s Harbor on Dec. 25, 1950. Walter died on May 15, 1992.
A devoted volunteer all of her life, Polly was one of the founders of the Cundy’s Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance, the Auxiliary where she assisted in the fundraising for the construction of the Cundy’s Harbor Community Hall and enjoyed coordinating teen dances. Among her many civic duties, she served as ballot clerk for the town of Harpswell where she enjoyed the many familiar faces. For many years, she monitored the red phone and rode on the ambulance.
Walter and Polly enjoyed weekend getaways, hunting and fishing at The Forks, camping and bluegrass festivals where they established many lifelong friendships. Her dedication to her family was paramount in her daily life. She enjoyed participating in many bowling leagues at Yankee Lanes in Brunswick and was an avid NASCAR fan.
She is predeceased by her son, Clayton H. Drake, who died March 28, 2011; a grandson, Harmon Dana York Jr. and a great-grandson, Aaron D. Young; two brothers and three sisters.
She is survived by her devoted daughter, Martha L. York of Cundy’s Harbor, seven grandchildren, 12 great- grandchildren, a great-great-granddaughter, several nieces and nephews and a sister of Harpswell.
Friends may visit Saturday, April 4 from 1 to 2 p.m., followed by a service at 2 p. m. at Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal St., Brunswick. Interment will be in Cranberry Horn Cemetery, Cundy’s Harbor, later in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cundy’s Harbor Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue, c/o Burr Taylor, 45 Taylor Road, Harpswell, ME 04079.
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less