Sarah Jane Poli
Sarah Jane Poli, a native of Biddeford, passed away on Feb. 10, 2022. She was 80 years old.
Sarah Jane was born at home on Sept. 2, 1941, to Michelangelo and Idelina Nicetta Poli. Her family owned a grocery store on lower Main Street in Biddeford and the family lived on the second floor. Sarah Jane was the youngest of five siblings. In 1948, her father sold his business and retired. He had a new home built on upper Graham Street. After a year of retirement, her father was bored and purchased a building at Five Points, opening Poli’s Market. They had moved “uptown.” Sarah Jane had an idyllic childhood. Her family spent their summers at their summer home in Biddeford Pool. They had huge family gatherings that included swimming, playing Bocce, and best of all enjoying large Italian meals.
Sarah Jane started her education at Biddeford Emery School. She graduated from Biddeford High School in 1959 with honors. While attending school, she was a member of many organizations including the National Honor Society. Sarah Jane was also a cheerleader and a majorette. She belonged to the school chorus although she admitted in later years that she was a terrible singer. During her high school and college years, Sarah Jane worked as a telephone operator.
Education was in Sarah Jane’s blood. Her older sister, Lucy, was a teacher. Sarah knew at a young age that she would follow. Sarah Jane received her BS from Gorham State Teachers College in 1963. She continued her higher education receiving her master’s degree in 1964, and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in 1972, both from the University of Maine, Orono.
In 1964, Sarah Jane began her teaching career at Biddeford Junior High teaching math and became the department head the following year. She taught math until she once again followed in her sister’s footsteps, advancing to Curriculum Director for K-8 in 1973. She remained in that position adding grades 9-12 to Curriculum Director and adding Assistant Superintendent in 2000. In 2003, Sarah Jane became the first female Superintendent in Biddeford’s history. She remained in that position until she retired in 2012. During these years, Sarah Jane also worked evenings and weekends at Poli’s Market after her father became ill. After her father’s death, she continued to help her brother, John, until the store closed in 1989.
During Sarah Jane’s tenure as Superintendent, she was very proud of the maintenance and improvements made to the schools including the construction of a new middle school and the renovation of the High School. She was most proud of the advancements in the quality of education that the Biddeford school system was offering and always striving to improve. Sarah Jane often said that she loved Biddeford, loved the school system, and was very proud that she had the opportunity to work in it.
Sarah Jane was an active member of several professional organizations including the Maine Teacher’s Association, Biddeford Federations of Teachers, Maine Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, Maine Superintendents’ Associations, and Maine School Management Agency. She also served as former Corporator of Saco & Biddeford Savings and was a Board Member of SMHC, as well as a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and Altrusa Club. In 2018, the Biddeford Education Foundation recognized Sarah Jane as a “Pillar Of Pride” award recipient. The plaque hangs outside the library at Biddeford Middle School.
After retiring in 2012, Sarah Jane became caregiver to her sister Lucy and brother John. Family was most important to Sarah Jane. She looked out for her other brothers’ as well as her two nieces.
Sarah Jane was an intelligent, articulate, loving woman who was admired by many. She will be missed by those who knew her but most of all by her family.
She is preceded in death by: her parents, Michelangelo and Idelina Poli; her brother, Dominic Poli of Hallandale Beach, Florida, and her brother, Nicholas Poli and his wife JoAnn of Cape Porpoise, Maine.
She is survived by: her sister, Lucy Poli of Biddeford, Maine; her brother, John of Biddeford, Maine; her sister-in-law, Marlene Poli of Hallandale, Florida; and her nieces, Nancy Poli and Rita Poli both of Cape Porpoise, Maine.
The family would like to thank Sheila Painchaud who has been Sarah Jane’s loyal friend for many years, Denise Doyon who has been a supportive friend, and Betty and Michael Cymbrak. Betty has been more than just a caregiver. She has been a true friend and the family could not have gotten through these last few years without her.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or your favorite local library.
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