Irene Eleanor Greenhut Pollard, of Carmel, CA., age 92, went home to be with the Lord after passing away peacefully from a brave and hard-fought battle with cancer. Irene, a native of Union Mills, IN, graduated Valedictorian of her High School class, attended and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Taylor University, earned a Master's Degree from Purdue University, and continued with a PhD in Bio-Chemistry. Irene then accepted a teaching position at the Indiana University School of Medicine and in 1952, earned her Doctor of Medicine. She practiced in Southern California for many years before completing her residency in Pediatrics at University of California, Irvine. In 1972, she married the love of her life and fellow physician, Dr. Lawrence W. Pollard, Jr. The couple resided in Carmel where Irene worked at the Monterey Health Department before retiring in 1992.
Irene loved children and fiercely believed in education often financially helping with tuition for those that could not afford it. She would tirelessly tutor children (and some adults) in various subjects and even years later, her students came back telling her how much they appreciated the help. Irene also embraced her Christian faith and before her illness, was active with the Sanctuary Bible Church of Carmel Valley and the Holy Assembly Missionary Baptist Church in Marina. She loved sports and being a huge Tiger Woods fan, followed golf. She also loved basketball, baseball, and NASCAR. Irene was also an avid birder, loved nature, and especially her life in sunny and peaceful Carmel Valley.
Irene is survived by her husband of 39 years, Larry; her sister, Dorthy Buck, of Hamlet, IN; a daughter, Mary, and son-in-law, David, of Salinas, CA; and five step-sons, Ford, Kaese, Thomas, Robert, and John, and eight grandchildren. Irene was preceded in death by her brother, Melvin Tatman, of Union Mills, IN. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and grandmother, and was a loving and caring person that will be missed by all who have known her.
Irene was brought home and laid to rest in Union Mills Cemetery, Union Mills, IN.
Local arrangments were entrusted to Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, LaPorte, IN. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com