She was born April 22, 1928, in Elkhart to Frank Sr. and Eva (Smith) Fortier. She married Paul E. Polachek on Sept. 13, 1946, in Elkhart.

She is survived by her husband; two sons, Craig (Denise) Polachek and Michael P. (Vicki) Polachek, both of Elkhart; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one sister, Dorothy Preston, and three brothers, Earl, Frank Jr. and Valley Fortier.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, is handling arrangements. Visitation takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Zion Missionary Church, 1135 E. Hively Ave., Elkhart, and an hour before the funeral service, set for Wednesday at 2 p.m., also at Zion Missionary Church. Pastors Bob Price and Dale Turner will officiate, with burial to follow the service at California Road Cemetery.

Mrs. Polachek was a teacher with the career center at Elkhart Community Schools for 20 years, retiring in 1993. She taught floral design and horticulture. She graduated from Elkhart High School and Indiana University and attended Zion Missionary Church. For many years she was in a traveling evangelist musical group with her family and was also an avid animal lover.

Memorials may be sent to the Salvation Army. Online condolences may be sent to www.billingsfuneralhome.com.