Obituary: Maryann 'Chris' Polstein, Teacher and Grandmother

Maryann Christie Polstein, 75, died peacefully with her family by her side at Danbury Hospital on January 9, 2013 after an eighteen month battle with cancer.

“Chris” as most people knew her, was a resident of Newtown since 1970. She was born in Hartford on February 20, 1937 to Stewart Murray Christie and Emma Henrechon Christie both of whom predeceased her. Chris was a graduate of the University of Connecticut with a teaching degree and she also completed a Masters degree in guidance at the University of Hartford. Mrs. Polstein taught English in Manchester, CT and was a frequent substitute teacher in Newtown. She loved to make people smile and laugh, greatly enjoyed reading books, devoted her life to her family and cherished making memories with her grandchildren.

Chris is survived by her husband of 49 years, Arthur G. Polstein; her daughter, Deborah Greene of LaGrange, TX; her daughter, Martha Lucas and her husband Steve of Southbury; a sister, Ruth Newton and her husband Richard of Danville, VA; a niece, Liz Walker and her husband Garland of Danville, VA; a niece, Suzanne Brosnan and her husband Robert of Sarasota, FL; a niece, Barbara Newton of New Britain; as well as four grandchildren, Emma Greene, Courtney Lucas, Sydney Lucas and Andrew Lucas.

A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Chris’ life will be held on Thursday, January 17, 2013 at 10:00am at St. Rose of Lima Church in Newtown. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, Chris has requested that contributions be made to St. Rose of Lima School, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown, CT 06470 for library books for the children. Honan Funeral Home, Newtown is serving the family.