Marjorie Polack

Marjorie Polack

Marjorie Louise Polack (née Murphy), of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the age of 96, at her home at St. John’s on the Lake.
Marjorie was the beloved wife of Robert M. Polack, formerly of Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was a devoted mother to Craig (Susan) Polack, Terrance (Linda) Polack, Lauralyn Rudig (Mark), Patrice Shields (Randall), and Jocelyn Martinek (Greg). “GiGi” was a proud grandmother of 15 and great-grandmother of 31, all of whom were a constant source of joy in her life. She also cherished her many nieces and nephews and is further survived by her sister-in-law, Jan Polack of Lansing, Michigan.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Marie Helen Murphy (Nischan) and Patrick Norton Murphy; her brother, Donald Murphy; her infant sister, Rita Mae Murphy; her parents-in-law, Margaret and Sidney Polack; and her daughter, Patrice Shields, along with her son-in-law, Randall Shields.
Marjorie will be remembered for her deep love of family, her strength of spirit, and her warmth toward all who knew her. Her life was defined by devotion to those she loved and a quiet grace that left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
Bob and Margie were married in 1949 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, beginning a loving partnership that carried them around the world and through decades of shared adventure. A trained stenographer with the skills to become a court reporter, she combined precision with creativity in all she did. Margie was known for her lively spirit, sharp wit, and many talents. An excellent bridge player, she founded a bridge club at St. John’s on the Lake. She delighted members by creating humorous “winner flyers” after each game, featuring photos of the winners topped with playful hats or imaginative hairstyles. She sang alto with Sweet Adelines, participated in her church choir, and formed her own singing group, the Lyricals. Ever curious and creative, Margie learned to type in Braille, started an investment club, dabbled in golf, and handcrafted fourteen exquisite porcelain dolls, each lovingly given to her daughters and daughters-in-law.
She had a gift for making people feel celebrated and remembered, producing heartfelt “This Is Your Life”–style videos for her children and grandchildren to mark birthdays, weddings, and graduations. Ahead of her time, she even created her own website long before such things were common. Her proudest accomplishment was establishing a nonprofit scholarship fund for employees of St. John’s on the Lake, made possible through her “Surprising Findings” online shop, launched on Etsy in its early days and grown into a meaningful and lasting fundraiser.
Her family extends special thanks to the compassionate staff and nurses at St. John’s on the Lake, with heartfelt gratitude to Beverly—her devoted caregiver, companion, and dear friend for many years—whose bond with Margie was truly special. They also wish to express sincere appreciation to Legacy Hospice for their attentive and compassionate care during her final months.
In accordance with Marjorie’s wishes services will be private for her family, St John’s staff, and residents. A private entombment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in celebration of Marjorie’s life may be made to the St. John’s on the Lake Employee Scholarship Fund or Three Holy Women Catholic Church, Milwaukee, WI.