Polly Stewart Fritch, of Greenwich, died on Aug. 10 at Yale New Haven Hospital. She was 86 years old and had lived in the Greenwich area for more than 35 years.
Polly lived a remarkable life that touched on some of the 20th century’s most important events and trends. Born in Seattle into a Navy family, Polly, together with her mother and sister, led a peripatetic life as her father, a naval engineer with the Seabees construction brigade, oversaw postwar projects in occupied Japan, Europe and the United States, including postings to Honolulu, San Diego and Washington, D.C.
Polly recollected that in the course of her childhood she attended some 16 different schools, a factor that led her to value longer-term friendships greatly. Among the institutions she attended was Punahou School in Hawaii, for which she retained a special affection.
Following her graduation from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, Polly married Bruce Fritch, an attorney whose practice took them initially to Los Angeles and then to New York. While in Los Angeles, Polly became involved in the nascent gourmet food movement, which led to friendships with culinary pioneers such as Julia Child, James Beard and Alice Waters. Polly became active as a teacher and lecturer on culinary and food history, leading food tours and cooking classes in Europe and the United Kingdom.
After her marriage ended in divorce, Polly established an independent life in the Greenwich area, working for the Stamford-based publisher Boardroom, Inc. She traveled to the United Kingdom, living for some time in the northern city of York, where she led tours at York Minster Cathedral. Though she loved her life in England, eventually she returned to the United States, settling permanently here.
Her deep involvement with Christ Church Greenwich was a central feature of her life, including frequent attendance at services and classes and service as a Eucharistic Visitor, Eucharistic Minister and Lector. She volunteered at Christ Church programs, often contributing delicious dishes based on her own recipes.
In addition to her religious faith, Polly will be remembered for her ready wit, her openness to new ideas, cultures and people, and her generosity of spirit.
Polly’s funeral service will take place on Friday, Sept. 16 at 11am in the Chapel at Christ Church Greenwich, followed by interment in the Christ Church Memorial Garden. Gifts in her memory may be sent to Christ Church Greenwich, 254 E. Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830.
