Rebecca Marie (Evans) Poltack

Rebecca (Becky) Evans Poltack, 74, of Longmeadow, MA passed away surrounded by her loving family at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston on February 25, 2024. She was born in Utica, NY on August 11, 1949, to John R. and Marie (Manning) Evans. She grew up in Utica, NY, the eldest of five siblings, surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She will forever cherish her childhood and had fond memories of the time she spent with her extended family. 

Becky graduated from Utica Catholic Academy in 1967 before moving to Boston, MA to attend nursing school at Peter Bent Brigham. She received her nursing degree in 1970. While in Boston, she met her soulmate, love of her life, and ever-devoted husband of 53 years, Stanley J. Poltack, Jr. They lived in Boston for three years before moving to their first home in Norton, MA. In 1978, Becky and Stan moved to Mobile, AL for two years. After realizing they did not prefer grits or cotillion balls, they quickly moved back up north to Longmeadow, MA in 1980 to be closer to friends and family. They have resided there ever since.

For over fifty years, Becky was an empathetic, compassionate, and diligent nurse. Her devotion and dedication to care for others was her purpose in life and strongly aligned with her unwavering Catholic faith. She began her nursing career working in the Boston hospitals.  She spent twenty-five years with the Springfield Visiting Nurse Association (VNA), serving in various clinical and nurse management roles. Yearning to provide direct patient care once again, she transitioned to Baystate Brightwood Health Center until her retirement in 2020.

Becky was most proud of her children and grandchildren and her love for spending time with family and friends was what she cherished most in this life. She was the best Mimi! Besides her husband, Stanley, she leaves behind her three loving children, David Poltack of Bentonville, AR and his wife Rupal, Julie McDonough and her husband Shawn of Duxbury, MA, and Kathryn (Katie) Kahn and her husband Henry of Simsbury, CT; six cherished grandchildren, Caitlin and Andrew Poltack, Will and Jack McDonough, and Lily and Leo Kahn; and her brother and sisters, Elin Evans of Cambridge, MA, Jack Evans of Shrewsbury, MA, Jeff Evans of parts unknown, and Amy Evans of Chestnut Hill, MA.

Becky was loved by so many and will always be remembered for her loving heart, kind soul, and big sunglasses.

The family would like to thank the staff at Beth Israel Hospital especially the devoted doctors and nurses in the Intensive Care Unit on the sixth floor of the Rosenberg building. A special heart-felt thank you to Mary, Erin, Sue, Katie, Tracey, and Roberto.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 1st from 4-7pm at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen St, Springfield, MA. Her funeral Mass will meet directly at 10am on Saturday, March 2nd at St. Michael’s Church, 128 Maple Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. A private burial service will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to “The Cliniquita Fund at Baystate Brightwood Health Center” by check.  Please add “In loving memory of Rebecca Poltack” on the memo line.