Paula Nan "Polly" Smoot Grimaldi

Paula Nan “Polly” Smoot Grimaldi, age 91, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully at home into the loving arms of Jesus with family by her side on Saturday, November 4, 2023. Born in Philadelphia, PA on July 24, 1932, she grew up in Wynnewood on the Main Line. Polly was a daughter of the late Paul Forrester Taylor and Anna (Lingelbach) McNeel. She graduated from Lower Merion High School, and then the Bryn Mawr School of Nursing, becoming a Registered Nurse. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology from Washington College and did post-graduate work in dietetics at the University of Delaware. After college, Polly married and was blessed with 6 children. Motherhood was her most cherished role. Polly worked as a wellness consultant and educator in the field of Holistic Health for many years. She was driven to share her time and talents by advocating a healthy lifestyle through her cookbooks, nutritional counseling and exercise classes. Her private nutritional practice and work in radio and television earned her recognition in Who’s Who in Medicine and Health and Outstanding People of the 20th Century for exceptional work in the field of Holistic Medicine. She also received the Arthritis Community Hero Citation for her pioneering work in this field. In addition to her career, Polly also wrote and illustrated several inspirational books held in the Library of Congress. Gardening was one of Polly’s greatest sources of joy. Rose bushes were her favorite, and she nurtured an ever-growing number of which she kept count. Her beautiful garden was a certified wildlife habitat where birds, squirrels and groundhogs peacefully mingled with her beloved cats. She found much inspiration for her writing and illustrations right there in her own back yard. Polly’s creativity never ceased, she made greeting cards and recently wrote an online blog about aging. Polly believed in others and encouraged them to follow their dreams. In addition to her parents, Polly was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Grimaldi. She is survived by her children, Michael Smoot (Becky), Christopher Smoot, Benjamin Smoot (Debbie), Paula Sistare, Jennifer Smoot, and Emily Whiteman (Michael); 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and her brother, Peter Taylor. Polly lived by faith, firmly believing that God provides our every need according to his time and purpose. Polly’s love of God and her appreciation for nature were shared with all. Her smile, warmth, and love will remain forever in the hearts of her family and friends. Services will be announced at a later date.

Paula Nan "Polly" Smoot Grimaldi

July 24, 1932 - November 4, 2023