Roberta E. Polaski

Roberta E “Birdie” (Drake) Polaski, 81, of Kersey, passed away peacefully Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Elk Haven Nursing Home.

Born in New Albany, Ohio on January 27, 1945, daughter of the late Francis L. and Martha A. (Barbee) Drake, Roberta grew up on family farms near Lancaster Ohio. In her youth, she exhibited animal projects (Duroc Pigs and Brown Swiss heifers) at the Lancaster Fairfield County Fair as a member of Bremen Proud Showmen 4-H Club. She graduated class of 1962 from Berne Union High School in Sugar Grove, Ohio.

After graduation, Roberta attended Ohio University Branch College while working for Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation. She became a member of The Salvation Army Lancaster Branch where she taught youth groups before attending and graduating in 1967 from The Salvation Army's Training College for Officers, then located in the Bronx, New York.

Roberta’s work with the Salvation Army brought her to Western Pennsylvania, where she assisted during several regional natural disasters including the 1967 Johnstown Flood and several major winter storms. While posted to the Ridgway Salvation Army, friends introduced to her future husband Thomas “Tom” Polaski.

Married on February 14, 1976, Roberta and Tom lived in Ridgway and Kersey with their children, Sarah and Ivan.

Roberta held many jobs and volunteer positions over her life, giving her time and expertise as a member of La Leche League, as a member of the Elk County Fair Board, and as a long-time member and Lay Minister in the United Methodist Church and as part of the United Methodist Women.

She also took courses at Jeff Tech, Penn State Dubois, and received a degree from Dubois Business College.

Roberta was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas R. Polaski, on July 4, 2021, her parents Francis L and Martha A Barbee Drake, and three brothers, Wilbert, Sr., George H, and Patrick B. Drake.

She is survived by her daughter, Sarah Polaski of Alexandria, VA and her son, Ivan Polaski of Kersey. Also surviving are two granddaughters, Lydia and Gabriella; a great-granddaughter, Aurora, Ridgway, PA; her sister, Jacquelyn Drake, Columbus, OH; and brothers: Lundy Drake, Lancaster, OH, Andy Drake, Columbus, OH, and Charlie Drake, Tampa, FL.

Funeral services for Birdie will be announced at a future date. Burial will be in the Holy Rosary Cemetery.

Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the Fox Township Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 229, Kersey, PA 15846.