LENOX, Mass. — Pauline Day Pierce, known as Polly, died peacefully on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, at Kimball Farms in Lenox. 

Born in Chicago on November 28, 1917, she spent her youth in Dallas, Texas, where she attended the Hockaday School and Southern Methodist University. She came to Massachusetts from New York in 1947, and shortly thereafter to the Berkshires, which became her home. 

Polly became curator of the Stockbridge Library Historical Room in 1968 and remained in that role for 30 years. With her knowledge of the town and its people, Polly was a valuable resource for the many authors and historians who did research at the library.

In addition to being the town’s historical expert, Polly was active in many local organizations and served on various committees for nonprofit organizations. She was on the board of the Norman Rockwell Museum, and had modeled for one of his paintings. She was on the board of the Berkshire Theater Festival and the Stockbridge Historical Commission. She had a life-long passion for turn-of-the-century literature, especially Edith Wharton, and was a regular docent at the Mount. Over the years she formed a close relationship with the Stockbridge Mahicans and was made an honorary member of their tribe.

Polly had a zest for travel that brought her to China, New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Africa, Indonesia and frequently to London. Attending Sunday afternoon concerts at Tanglewood was one of her greatest pleasures. Polly was full of energy and enthusiasm for her work, family, friends and her colleagues.

She leaves two children, Brooke Heraty and Lawrence Pierce; three grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. 

She was predeceased by her son, Charles, in 1988. 

Funeral notice: Funeral services will be held at St. Paul’s Church in Stockbridge on Thursday, December 15, 2016, at 11 a.m. A reception at the Stockbridge Library Museum & Archives will follow. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Stockbridge Library Association, P.O. Box 119, 46 Main St., Stockbridge, MA 01262.