Paulette “Polly” May (Kaercher) Lander
Paulette “Polly” May (Kaercher) Lander of Independence Township, passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at West Penn Hospital. Born to the late Howard Dustin Kaercher and Anna Mae (Roadman) Kaercher on October 10, 1944, at West Penn Hospital. She married the love of her life, who she is now reunited with, Gerald Boise Lander, on May 9, 1964. They had three children: Kevin (Denise) Lander of Hookstown, Scott (Deb) Lander of Dover, and Marcy (Keith) Whiteman of Aliquippa. Kids were the apple of Polly’s eye especially her grandchildren: Dustin (Shayla) Lander, Kori Lander, and Dalton Lander, Zack (Tasia) Lander, Madison (Jesse) Tinnell, Kirstin Fink, Nick (Lexi) Fink, Collin Whiteman, Samantha Whiteman and Rob. However, her great grandchildren stole her heart forever: Easton and Enzlo Lander, Asher Lander, and Ellie Fink. In addition to her parents and her husband, Polly was preceded in death by Diana Tibbetts (sister), Benjamin and Irene Lander (in-laws), and Anna Mae, Grace, and Richard Lander (in-laws). Surviving Polly are nieces, nephews, cousins, and many fabulous friends. Polly worked as a dietician at West Penn Hospital. She was a homemaker until taking the position as the Library Aide at Independence Elementary School. She worked full time at Independence as the school secretary. She enjoyed spoiling her teachers, parents, and students. Polly was a member of Mt. Olivet EPC. She served as Sunday School Superintendent, music leader to the children, Vacation Bible School Director, Sunday School teacher, a member of the choir, and bowled many years on the church league. Polly will be remembered for her loving, generous heart and her competitive nature. She loved playing card games especially Skip-Bo.
Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, March 31, from 3 to 7 p.m. in the HUNTSMAN FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, INC. OF ALIQUIPPA, www.huntsmanfuneralhomes.com 2345 Mill St. A funeral service will be held at the Mt. Olivet EPC, (4128 Rt. 151) on Wednesday, April 1, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Kevin Neal officiating. Interment will be private for the family.
At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Mt Olivet EPC Memorial Fund, 4128 Rt 151, Aliquippa, PA 15001. Independence Elementary Library, 103 School Rd., Aliquippa, PA 15001. Mt Pleasant EPC Honduras Scholarship Fund, 846 St Rt18, Aliquippa, PA 15001.