Pauline Griggs (Polly) Vanderspiegel, 86, predeceased by her husband of fifty-six years, Emil Robert (Van) Vanderspiegel, her parents, Susie Evans Griggs and Wayne D. Griggs, twin sisters Vivian M. Griggs, Lillian G. Taylor and brother, Col. Wayne L. Griggs, died July 26, 2011 at Lynchburg General Hospital.

Polly was born in Prince George County, September 6, 1924. She graduated from Hampton High School and made her home in Glen Rock, NJ after her marriage to Van in 1946.

She was active in the community, serving as a Girl Scout Leader of Troop 252 for fifteen years and served on the training staff of Bergen County Girl Scout Council. Pauline was a member and teacher at St. Catharine's Roman Catholic Church and school, also serving on the board of the church Rosary Altar Society. Polly was a Charter Member and volunteer at the Glen Rock Youth Employment Services (YES) where she served as office manager. As a member of the Glen Rock PTA Board and volunteer school librarian she was always a crusader for the cause of young students.

During World War II she was one of the first employees of the Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation, where she held a department head position until the port closed in 1946. After her husband's retirement from New Jersey Bell in 1977 they returned to her native state and built their retirement home in Bedford County.

After her return to Virginia the following tribute was published in the local New Jersey paper. "Polly Griggs Vanderspiegel, who moved back to her native Virginia in September, was a 25 year Glen Rock resident with a sweet southern drawl carried north from her native Virginia that masked a razor-sharp intelligence and a tough-as-nails approach towards civic action. Known throughout the area for unswerving efforts to gain county and school reform, Polly Vanderspiegel was unflagging in her efforts for many civic, charitable and religious groups in our area. She was a confirmed 'doer' who was never content merely to add her presence to a group, and her crusading spirit will be missed. The many young people's lives she touched will always be enrichment to our future. Polly, we miss you."

She is survived by her three children; son, Robert W. Vanderspiegel and his wife, Carol, Chesapeake; daughters, Ellen C. Everett and her husband, John and Joy E. Vanderspiegel and her significant other, Keith Dale Nimmo, all of Bedford; five grandchildren, Justin R. Vanderspiegel and his wife, Alicia, Lindsey E. Vanderspiegel, Laura C. Paget and her husband, Doug, Brian A. Castellamare and his fiancé, Michelle Harmolin, and Heidi Everett Powers and her husband Kevin; Seven great granddaughters; numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.

At her request there will be no viewing. A private graveside service will be held in Evergreen Cemetery in Appomattox County, the ancestral home of her maternal ancestors where she spent many happy childhood years. No flowers please but a contribution to your favorite charity or a good deed for your fellowman would be appreciated.