Palmira 'Polly' Lou Cigiana Baumberger, 76
Palmira "Polly" Lou Cigiana Baumberger, 76, of Florence, "won her battle with diabetes and went to her eternal home" on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009.
Polly fought a 49-year battle with diabetes, defying death over and over. With each of her health complications, she would grieve and then accept her fate, trust in her doctors and dare death to take her. She laughed in death's face more times than any of us could believe. She was truly a saint in the making, never giving up her faith in God.
We spoke with her on several occasions about dying, and she said she felt peace with whatever the Lord had in mind for her. She would tell us, "I know things look pretty bleak, but I just don't think it is my time yet, but whatever, I am not afraid." Then she would crack a joke and we'd share a good laugh. Her faith is a witness to all who knew her.
Polly's dearest passion was her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She also loved watching football, Wheel of Fortune and she could quote lines from every "MASH" episode ever aired!
She loved animals, especially her dogs. Pixie was her very special four-legged friend who will miss taking her morning naps on Polly's lap. Polly loved bird watching, planting flowers, reading, knitting, shopping and playing cards.
More than anything we will miss her sense of humor and her corny jokes, "but we know she is safe now, out of pain and with the Lord."
Polly is survived by her husband, Allen, of 29 years; her daughters and their husbands, Linda and Howard Nash, and Judy and Gordy Wyman; three stepsons and their wives, Gaylen and Kelly Baumberger, Tracy and Teresa Baumberger, and Reid and Tammy Baumberger; four grandchildren, Jennifer and Anthony Lapke, Brian Nash, Danielle Nash, and Scott and Janna Wyman; and three great-grandchildren, Taylor, Zachary and Carter. Polly also has 11 step-grandchildren.
Rosary will be said at 6:30 p.m. today, Jan. 7, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Florence. A vigil service will follow at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph's.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, at St. Joseph's. A reception will follow Mass. Burial will be at 3 p.m. at Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula.
Directions to St. Joseph's Church, Florence: Hwy. 93 at stop light, go south; turn right (west) on Linder Street and go one block.
The Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville is in charge of arrangements.