Michal "Mike" Polese

Michal Joy “Mike” Polese, 76, of Fernandina Beach, FL passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on Friday, June 10, 2022.

Born and raised in Rochester Hills, MI, Mike grew up on a family farm where she learned to appreciate the land, ride horses, and discover her gift for art. After meeting her husband, Edwin (Ed) Polese, while skiing in Canada, Mike moved to New York City. Before being married, Mike lived in the Barbizon Hotel for Women and worked in the world of advertising.

Mike and Ed moved to Fernandina Beach 16 years ago from South Salem, NY, where she was a homemaker and an elementary school teacher’s aide. She was active in Community Bible Study and became the Teaching Director of the Ridgefield, CT class. She also Co-Chaired the Jr. High School PTA. In Fernandina Beach, she joined the local Community Bible Study and served as the women’s Teaching Director for a term. Mike was an active member of River of Praise Worship Center where she served with the Ladies Prayer Group and the children’s ministry. She was also a member of the Amelia Island Quilt Guild, and especially loved to create artistic quilts for which she earned several ribbons.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years; a daughter, Lois Polese Campanelli (Peter) of Fernandina Beach; two sons, Paul Polese (Desi) of South Salem, NY and John Polese of Greensboro, NC; one brother, Daniel Bright (Elaine) of Rochester Hills, MI; and three grandchildren (Luke, Aidan and David “Hank”).

The family is very appreciative of the wonderful care provided by the staff of the Warner Community Hospice Center.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 28th at 11:00 AM at the River of Praise Worship Center with Bishop Larry Osburn officiating. The service will be live streamed for people unable to attend in person (YouTube: theriverofpraise worshipcenter).

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations be made to the River of Praise Worship Center or the Mayo Clinic Florida.