Joan A. Polkowski

Joan Ann Polkowski, age 82, of Holyoke passed away on Monday, January 3, 2022 at Holyoke Medical Center with her youngest daughter, Theresa Ocasio, holding her hand.  She was born in Jersey City, NJ, daughter of the later John and Margaret (Bahr) Polkowski. She married David Kisselbaugh and had 3 children. Joan worked as a Quality Control Inspector for RCA, Hamilton Standard and JDS Uniphase.   Joan was a very young, strong, beautiful, single mother who always loved playing games.   She had a keen sense of humor, was fun loving and had a rebellious streak. Joan got two tattoos in her 30's; jumped out of a plane when she turned 40; was an expert card player; loved going to the casinos, horse races and scratching lottery tickets.  She was known to be the last person to board a plane from Las Vegas carrying buckets of quarters with her.  She is survived by her children: Debbie Fladseth and her husband Doug of California, David Kisselbaugh Jr. of Kentucky and Theresa Ocasio and her husband Roberto of Holyoke.  She adored her 7 grandchildren: Kristin, Erik, David III, Jen, Jaime, Brianna and Alexander.  She cherished her 2 great grandchildren, Evelyn and Matias.  She is also survived by her sister, Midge Kosienski, husband Fran and nephew Matt.  All services for Joan will be held privately.  The Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home is handling arrangements.  In lieu of flowers and in honor of Joan's love for her cats, Rosie and Paully, memorial contributions may be made to Dakin Humane Society, P.O. Box 6307, Springfield, MA 01101.

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