Mary Pope Hirsch (Polly), summer resident of Christmas Cove, passed away on Jan. 28 at her home.
She was born in New Haven, Conn. on April 2, 1934, into an academic family, and grew up in the genteel atmosphere of a bygone era. At age 12, when she was sick in bed, she was given “Pride and Prejudice” to read. In her late 70s, when a final illness compelled her to move to a small apartment, the only books she kept were her complete set of Jane Austen, the author who best defines her goodness and sensibility.
After graduating from Smith College, and receiving an MA in history at Yale, she helped edit the Henry Stimson papers at Yale. She soon married a young member of the Yale English department, where her father was a distinguished professor. Her three children were born while she lived in New Haven, Conn., and they grew up in Charlottesville, Va. after her husband moved to the University of Virginia.
She was a brilliant cook, and entertained students regularly, and, as the wife of a department chairman, gave memorable receptions large and small. When her children were grown she embarked upon a life of dedication to the less fortunate. For several years she worked as the cook and wash-up person at Bloomfield, a home for disabled children, leaving at dawn and returning at 8 p.m., after making sure that the children there had delicious meals.
After Bloomfield closed, she became a helper to blind people, one of whom is still alive and from whose family she, still up to this year, has received a homemade fruitcake. The students she tutored in the public schools still remember her.
Her children have all gone into public service.
She was a summer resident of Christmas Cove from 1936 to 2012. In later years she would spend time there from May to October.
Besides her husband, E. D. Hirsch, Jr., and children, John, Ted, and Elizabeth, and their spouses, she leaves behind seven grandchildren.
The family will receive Polly’s friends and acquaintances from 4-6 p.m., Sat., Jan. 31 at Hill and Wood Funeral Home, 201 North First St, Charlottesville, Va.
Contributions in Polly’s memory may be made to UVA Child Development and Rehabilitation Center Battle Building, 4th Floor, 1204 W. Main St., Charlottesville, VA 22903.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hillandwood.com.
