Paula Nan “Polly” Smoot Grimaldi
July 24, 1932 - November 4, 2023
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.
Mary Lou Vail
Polly was my cherished friend for almost 40 years and we enjoyed many special times, conversations and travel. She was a woman of prayer not only daily for her family but for friend’s and the world’s needs.
Secondly, was her hospitality. She wanted her family and guests to feel so welcome by delicious food and conversation at dinners, holiday parties, and backyard events. Two special guests were Mr and Mrs Claus, the Concord Mall Santa, who they entertained for a number of years at their home. She chronicled Santa’s thoughts in her inspirational book, “When Santa Came to Our House.”
Her garden, her beloved kitties and outside animals were daily enjoyment. When I visited and sat in her sunroom overlooking her backyard, I would say “Polly, this is God’s peaceable kingdom.” Some fortunate folks were able to tour the garden as part of the Newark Garden Day tour. She always wanted to share God’s beauty with others.
GODSPEED, Polly! Know that heaven is even better.
Bess McAneny
Polly was also known for her outreach to the children at Christmas hosting the “real” Mr. And Mrs. Santa Claus. Always very caring and willing to listen, she was most of all a woman of deep faith. Thoughts and prayers to her family.
Cathy & Ben Raphael
What a beautiful and perfect obituary! I’m glad I tried to cover all bases and found it!!! There is only ONE Polly in this world~! I’m glad she & John are together again…. a perfect match.
Love to all of the Smoots – big and small
Agee (Adrian) Brown
Ben and Family,
I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your Mother. all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
William M. Taylor
Mike and Becky I am very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I was unaware of her many accomplishments, TV work and publications. She lived and long and healthy life and shall leave a positive mark on the world. My deepest condolences.
Karen Torrance
My prayers for the entire family. Polly was a sweet wonderful person who I was blessed to know. She lived what she believed and made every one feel special even Santa. My heart is heavy but she is at peace and ready to help anyone again as an angel
Judy Hart
So sorry for your loss and ours. Polly was a dear friend and mentor to me for almost 20 years. We felt a connection the first time we met.
I learned from her and was grateful for her support while I traveled on my own journey as a Wellness
educator.
An Amazing woman- she will remain a treasured friend in my memory .
With deepest sympathy,
Judy Hart
Lori Voiers Makinen
Dear Paula and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. As a young girl visiting the Smoot household, I have fond memories of your mother, in particular of her warm, accepting, and gentle presence. As an adult, I had the pleasure of meeting up with her again and telling her what those memories meant to me. She was charmed and so gracious. Her warmth and kind spirit will always be remembered.
Jeanne Badlato
I have known Polly for about 10 years. She was a friend and a mentor who always inspired me. I feel so blessed to have known such a loving person who had a wonderful and positive effect on so many lives, with her health business and in her personal life. I miss her but I am glad she is in a wonderful place with her husband John.