Obituary of Ruth Pollack

Ruth Goldberg Pollack, 90, formerly of Monticello, died at her residence in Encinitas, CA on Monday, May 27. She was born in New York on April 14, 1923, and lived in the same house on Osborne Street in Monticello for 75 years, before relocating to California in 2004. She was a 1941 graduate of Monticello High School, and received a bachelor's degree from Empire State College. She married her high school sweetheart, Rubin Pollack, in 1943. They were founding members of Temple Sholom in the 1950s. Ruth was a warm, upbeat, optimistic person who loved to socialize and travel. When anyone asked her, "Do you want to go…" she would say yes before even hearing whether the destination was a dinner out, a day trip, or an extended vacation. Her children's and grandchildren's spouses, her lifelong friends, and the Mah Jongg ladies were always part of her extended family. She enjoyed art, and took painting classes throughout her life. She was an excellent cook, and enjoyed gardening, sewing, knitting, and jewelry making, turning out baby sweaters, afghans, and silver rings for everyone. She retained her wry sense of humor until the very end of her life. Ruth was predeceased by her mother, Sarah Hannah Goldberg, and her beloved husband of 49 years, Rubin Pollack. She is survived by her five devoted children and their spouses: Lee Kesselman (Zev), Ron Pollack (Rinkie), Judy Pollack (Jim Ohls), Barbara Pollack (Ron Reff), and Barry Pollack (Amy),  her 11 loving grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Am Israel, San Diego and Garlick Funeral Home, Monticello. A graveside service at the Temple Sholom Cemetery in Monticello will be held on Thursday, May 30th, at noon. Memorial contributions may be made to Seacrest Village Employee Recognition Fund, 211 Saxony Road, Encinitas, CA, to Lightbridge Hospice, San Diego, or to a charity of the donor's choice.