Michelle Pollack

 

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Michelle Pollack

1974 – 2022


Michelle Pollack of Highland Mills, New York, passed away tragically on Thursday, February 17, 2022.

Born May 29, 1974, she graduated with a BA in Mathematics from Union College and earned a Masters in Education from Columbia Teachers College. She taught sixth grade math at the Nanuet Middle School in Nanuet, New York and was Math Coach at the Pinebush Schools. She led mathematical professional development, working on curriculum and helping teachers create a student-centered environment to teach mathematics.

Michelle married Andrew Pollack on July 31, 1999, and together they raised two wonderful boys, Logan and Evan. She took the first few years of their lives to spend at home, watching them grow, before returning to teaching.

Michelle was loved by her friends, family and co-workers, as well as her students who came to love math through her teaching. She taught them to love a subject, which for most children, many consider to be unlovable.

Michelle is survived by her husband Andrew Pollack, her sons Logan Pollack and Evan Pollack, her mother Arlene Rosenbaum, her mother-in-law Suzan Pollack, her sister and brother-in-law Laura and Ira Gordon and her nephews Ryan and Jared, cousins Mark, Angie, Lea and Josh Goldhammer, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jay and Ronit Pollack, nephew Jordan and niece Danielle.

She is predeceased by her father Steve Rosenbaum and her father-in-law Arnie Pollack.

Funeral services are 12 noon on Monday, February 21 at Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel, 1534 Pennington Road, Ewing, New Jersey. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Hamilton Township, New Jersey.

Shiva will be observed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 2:00pm – 4:00pm and 7:00pm – 9:00pm at the Pollack family home.

Memorial Contributions:
NAMI of Orange County is an organization of families, friends and individuals whose lives have been affected by mental illness. Together, we advocate for better lives for those individuals who have a mental illness.

28 thoughts on “Michelle Pollack

  1. Patricia Fernandez

    Michelle will be missed beyond belief. She always had a smile on her face and a kind word to say! Rest peacefully my friend and fellow South Viking!!!

  2. Susan altschul

    We are so sorry for your loss. May she Rest In Peace. Love Susan and Bob Altschul

  3. Barbara Bergin

    Wishing Michelle’s family comfort and peace during this very difficult time. Michelle, your Pine Bush family will miss your warmth, kindness, and beautiful smile. Thank you for all you did to help me. Rest in peace.

  4. Susan Cartisano

    Michelle will be missed by so many. She truly made a difference in so many of our lives. Her kind and gentle way made it so easy to work with her and learn from her. My prayers go out to her family and friends that will miss her so much. May you rest in peace my dear friend.

  5. Lauren Nemeth

    Michelle was an incredibly kind woman! She always checked in to make sure I was alright and if I needed anything. She believed in me as a math teacher and taught me Guided Math because I wanted to learn it, not because it was an expectation. She went above and beyond and was a true mentor to me. She roamed the halls of our building with an abundance of energy and happiness. She truly loved what she did and she was destined to coach! On a personal note, she always shared her love for her boys! We talked all the time about our children and she was so sweet when she found out I was pregnant with my first child sharing many stories of her two boys from when they were younger. She was a well respected and loved member of our school community. She will be greatly missed. My condolences to Michelle’s friends and family. I hope you find comfort during this difficult time.

  6. Diana LaBarbera

    I will always think of you and miss you when I am walking around the neighborhood. I am grateful for the time we spent on weekend mornings, chitchatting, laughing, talking about everything and talking about nothing, rewarding or punishing Jade along the way. Rest In Peace Michelle!

  7. Kerri Dec

    Michelle will be missed! Her positivity and kindness made it easy to learn from her. Throughout the years, we often discussed our kids and dogs. She always talked about her boys with a smile on her face. My heartfelt condolences go out to Michelle’s family and friends as they navigate these tough times.

  8. Lori Stapleton

    I will miss your boundless energy, your undeniable passion for Math, and the infectious smile you greeted everyone with each day. You gave us your all, and we are better for knowing you. Find a Sheltie to play with, and Rest In Peace, Michelle❤️

  9. Camille Bennett

    Oh Michelle, my tennis friend. You were a beautiful woman inside and out, I will miss you terribly. You kindness was evident in everything you did and everywhere you went.
    Prayers and comfort to your family.

  10. Carol Berman

    Our heartfelt sorrow and condolences from the Mentsch Makers Preschool family to yours. We will always remember Michelle’s huge smile and love of her family. Logan and Evan were such a huge source of pride and joy for her. Michelle, you will be missed by all of us.
    Carol Berman on behalf of the Mentsch Makers Preschool Staff of the Monroe Temple.

  11. Carol Berman

    Our heartfelt sorrow and condolences from the Mentsch Makers Preschool family to yours. We will always remember Michelle’s huge smile, bubbly personality, her generosity and most importantly the love of her family. Logan and Evan were such a huge source of pride for her and she was always so proud of them. Michelle will be missed by all of us. May her memory be for a blessing.
    Carol Berman on behalf of the Mentsch Makers Preschool staff of the Monroe Temple

  12. Edie

    A sweeter person would be difficult to find. Our deepest condolences to the whole family on this tragic loss.
    Edie & Al Bialo

  13. Lisa Lesczynski

    Michelle will be very missed. We were all lucky to work with and know her. Michelle loved her family, all aspects of teaching, and helping others. I will miss her smile and positive words. Her family is in my prayers.

  14. Debbie June

    I had the honor and privilege of getting to know Michelle a bit in central office. A beautiful sole gone way too soon. I am sure she will be sorely missed at Pine Bush CSD. My deepest sympathy to her family.

  15. Barbara Adelson

    With love and heartfelt sympathy to you Arlene & your family on this very unbelievable tragic loss.
    May you, your children and grandchildren find the courage and strength you need at this very sad time, You know I will always be here for you.

  16. Vicki Weiner

    Michelle was such a kind soul. I have so many memories of growing up with Michelle and our teenaged adventures together. I will cherish them forever. I am so glad we had the chance to catch up as adults this past summer. My condelences to her entire family.

  17. Andrea Militzok

    So very sorry and sending condolences to the entire family. I had many conversations with Michelle about teaching .. When she visited Monticello and Fl. I always had such a wonderful visit with her.. She will be missed and again so very sorry. Sending love , Andi
    Militzok

  18. Colleen Delles

    Michelle was a ray of sunshine when she greeted us in the main office every morning. Most often, I would hear her laugh before I saw her radiant smile. Michelle went out of her way to share her warmth and kindness with those around her. She shared her incredible gift of teaching math in a way that made it fun for students and staff alike. I will miss her empathy, her compassion, her laughter, the twinkle in her eye, and her insatiable desire to bust the myth that math is difficult to learn. Michelle, you will be greatly missed, but I can assure you that your legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of many.

  19. Deb

    Michelle was a teacher that truly loved all the students and teachers who were so blessed to have been fortunate enough to learn and be influenced by her love of math. Her smile and sweet presence preceded her wherever she went. All that have been touched by her will certainly miss her. All prayers and thoughts to her family, friends and the Pine Bush school district .

  20. carol Weller

    I wish Michelle family peace and comfort always. I will miss you Michelle our talks and support for all the wonderful things and hardships we endured. You told me the birth of my Great Grand baby was the beginning of new happiness. Oh how I wish you were here. You were such an amazing coach in math but equally an amazing friends.. I will miss you and our many heartfelt talks.
    Rest in peace my friend.

  21. Andrea Urmston

    Michelle started as a colleague and quickly became a friend. Hearing her talk about anything she loved- math, her family, dogs, Black Friday shopping, hiking- truly lit up the room. Her passion, dedication, smile and laugh will forever be in our hearts in Pine Bush.

  22. Sam and Sue Gilbert

    We never had the privilege of meeting Michelle. Nor can we say anything that will detract from your pain.

    She sounds like she lived a good life, and a spiritual one. Please accept our sincere condolences, and we will all hope to hold her close in our hearts as a role model in every way.

    Sam and Susan Gilbert

  23. Judy & Roger Tobie

    Our condolences to Pollock and Gordon families. Such a heartbreaking time, we wish peace and love for everyone.

  24. Arul & Saravanan

    Our heartfelt condolences to Arlene and Michelle’s entire family. Our thoughts and prayers for peace and comfort to the entire family. May her soul Rest In Peace.
    Sending lots of love, Arul & Saravanan

  25. Deepa & Sathiya

    Saddened by the sudden loss of a good friend. Her enduring warm smile will not be forgotten. I am lucky to have known her. May her soul rest in peace. My prayers and deepest condolences to you, Andy and your family. We are here for you. Take care.

  26. Karen Flamholtz

    Dear Andy, Logan, Evan and Family,
    Please accept our deepest condolences on the tragic passing of Michelle. May her memory be a blessing and may she Rest in Perfect Peace.
    Karen Flamholtz, Lisa & Phil Rucker, Marcy Flamholtz

  27. Matthew Sherman

    It has been more than 30 years since Michelle and I last spoke, and I feel as if our last time together was as if it were yesterday. Michelle and I were close friends throughout high school. We spent hours together, as many good friends do, talking on the phone, listening to music, sharing stories and our innermost feelings, laughing and just being and enjoying our time together. Michelle was always someone I could share anything with, and vice versa. We were like one another’s brother/sister. It was always easy with Michelle – no pressure, no pretense, always true and in the moment. We were trusted confidantes to one another — and we always had one another’s backs. Even though after graduation we went our separate ways, those memories of our time and hours spent together or on the phone are forever emblazoned in my mind and memory. Michelle was as wonderful as a teenager, as she most clearly is as an adult. To her family, husband, children, friends, colleagues and all who have come to know, love and cherish Michelle for everything that she is and all that she brought and gave every day — my most sincere condolences to everyone because Michelle is and will forever be one of the great ones in our lives. They simply don’t make cherished souls like Michelle anymore and the world is a bit darker today without her in this world. My heart goes out to everyone and just know that she was always the wonderful person you all knew her to be even decades ago. I hope your warm and fond and loving memories of Michelle ease your pain during this most difficult time. I know mine are at this most shocking and sad news. Respectfully and sincerely, Matthew Sherman

  28. Sandra Morris

    Michelle and I were friends from birth. Growing up on Bellwood Drive was amazing. We were lucky enough to play everyday, bake, have sleepovers, be bossed around by our big sisters. We went to camp together, we went to wildwood together, birthdays, New Years… no one ever needed to leave the development for plans. Michelle always the more sensitive and less likely to cause mischief than myself was full of laughter. Fast forward many years and nothing made me happier to see her with her family and friends. She was warm, giving and always there for everyone. Miss you Miche. The world was a better place with you

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