Polly Lombardi

Buvena Burnette “Polly” Lombardi of The Pines at Davidson died peacefully Wednesday, June 3, 2009. She was 89.

A memorial service is planned Monday, June 8, at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church. Details below. (Updated Saturday, June 6, to note date change for services.)

Polly was born Dec. 14, 1919, to the late Valentine and Beatrice Burnette. She married Eugene Francis Lombardi in 1941, and the couple was married for more than 60 years. Their deep, enduring love for each other will be fondly remembered by all who knew them.

She was a remarkable wife, mother and grandmother, the bastion of the family at whose table innumerable holidays, birthdays and celebrations took place. Famous for her cherry pie and clam dip, she was a formidable storyteller and card player, occasionally at the same time.

The strength and courage shown by Polly during her fight these past few years are a testament to her life; a life of grace and dignity, good-humor and laughter, brightness and graciousness; but most of all, a life lived with immense love for her family and friends. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her daughters, Donna Maria Lombardi of Cornelius and Paula Jean Lombardi of Charlotte; and two grandchildren, Sarah Evelyn Almond (and husband Alec Ferrell) and Aubrey Almond.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Lake Norman, 705 Griffith St., Suite 203, Davidson NC 28036 or the American Lung Association, 1201 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 800, Washington DC 20004.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 8, at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Davidson with Rev. Murdock Smith officiating. A reception will follow at the Pines.

A requiem Eucharist will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Charlotte, followed by the interment of ashes and a reception.

Raymer Funeral Home, Huntersville, is serving the family.