Pauletta "Polly" Schaffer

SALEM - Pauletta "Polly" Schaffer passed away peacefully on June 29, 2024, at the age of 80 in Warren, Ohio. Born on September 3, 1943, in Salem, Ohio, Polly was the cherished daughter of the late George Begalla, Jr. and the respected Virginia “Vi” V. Begalla, who survives her.

Polly's early life in Salem was filled with the joy of learning and the warmth of community. She graduated from Salem High School in 1961 then went on to pursue higher education at both Kent State University and Youngstown State University. Her passion for education and helping others led her to earn a Master's Degree from the University of Dayton in Special Education, a field where she would leave an indelible mark. Polly devoted her career to teaching at Reilly Elementary, Robert Bycroft, and Wellsville High School, where she was beloved by students and colleagues alike.

A devout member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Polly's faith was a cornerstone of her life. She lived her beliefs through service by contributing her time and energy to the MS Society as a board member. Polly orchestrated events and spearheaded fundraising efforts, always with the goal of making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Polly's involvement in her community extended to the Salem High School Alumni Association, where she connected with fellow alumni and contributed to preserving the school's legacy. Her love for history and community was further expressed through her membership in the Salem Historical Society. Polly was also involved in various card clubs and social groups.

Those who knew Polly will remember her for her selfless nature. She was someone who would do anything for anyone, never hesitating to lend a hand and never expecting anything in return. Her generosity of spirit and unwavering support were her gifts to the world.

Polly is survived by her loving mother, Virginia "Vi" Begalla; her brother, George P. Begalla III of Salem; her sisters, Mary Sollie of Oslo, Norway, and Alice (Harry) Bieling of Phoenix, Arizona; her half-siblings, Tom (Teresa) Begala and Tammy (Ken) Greber of Sheffield Village; her nephew, George P. (Katy) Begalla IV of Salem; cousins Mary Pat King and Claudia Cullin of Salem and Jen (Mike) Dodge of Cranberry, Pennsylvania. We don’t have enough room to include all of the people that meant the world to her, but she cherished every moment spent with them.

She was preceded in death by her father, George P. Begalla, Jr., and her brother-in-law, Lars Sollie.

Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories of Polly at Stark Memorial Funeral Home on Friday, July 12, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. A funeral mass to celebrate Polly's life will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at St. Paul Catholic Church at 11 a.m., with Father Ruggieri officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the MS Society, 11836 South Avenue Extension, P.O. Box 35, North Lima, Ohio 44552 or to the St. Paul School Association, 925 E. State St., Salem, Ohio 44460.

If unable to attend, you may show your support by joining our complimentary "Hugs from Home" program at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home.

To view Polly's obituary, send condolences or order flowers, visit www.starkmemorial.com.

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