Fay Loreen Pole Obituary
Fay Loreen Pole (née Terry) passed away peacefully at Bluewater Health in Sarnia, Ontario, on September 2, 2026. She was 98.
Born in Port Credit, Ontario, on June 3, 1928, Fay first lived at her grandparents’ home in Clarkson before her family moved to a farm on King Road in Aldershot, now part of Burlington. After graduating from Waterdown High School, she attended Victoria College at the University of Toronto, graduating first in her class in Home Economics. She later earned her teaching degree from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.
Fay met Neil Pole on a blind date at a Grey Cup gathering in Toronto while she was teaching at Glebe Collegiate. They married in Burlington in 1955. Fay subsequently taught at Queen Street School in Welland, and the couple moved to Sarnia in 1956 when Neil took over his father’s pharmacy.
Fay was predeceased by Neil, her husband and best friend of 68 years, and by her parents, Goldwyn and Erie Terry (née Erwin). She was the much-loved mother of Doug (Sharon) of Oakville, Dianne of Sarnia, and Janet (Kevin) of London; grandmother of Shannon (Brian), Frazer (Renée), and Stuart (Emma); and sister of Jean Kost (Richard) of California and Robert Terry (Donna) of Waterdown.
A longtime member of Grace United Church, Fay contributed to many church activities, especially the annual Fall Fair. She also participated in the Norman Rogers Chapter of the IODE and the University Women’s Club, and enjoyed her Gourmet Club, weekly bridge group, gardening, golf, curling, and music. An accomplished pianist, she achieved Grade 10 through the University of Toronto and regularly attended local symphony and concert performances. She also coordinated and delivered Meals on Wheels.
Fay and Neil created a family home on Lakeshore Road, where they spent 45 years enjoying life near the water and visits from their grandchildren, known affectionately as the “Beach Buddies.” They travelled widely together, visiting six continents. Fay later lived at Fairwinds Lodge and Landmark Village, where she enjoyed music, bingo, gardens, and watching the world around her.
A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date, followed by a private cemetery service. Memorial donations may be made to Bluewater Health Foundation or a charity of the donor’s choice. Cheques are accepted only at the funeral home.
Source: Smith Funeral Home
