TOWNSEND - Polly Sue Mugg Burnham, 71, of Townsend, MT, died on Saturday, September 23, 2023, due to a heart attack. She was a lifelong learner and a follower of Jesus Christ, her Savior.

Polly was born in Des Moines, IA, on August 16, 1952. Due to her health concerns, her family moved to Stillwater, MN. Her childhood home included a large vegetable garden, which instilled in her a love of gardening.

She was an accomplished cook, having learned alongside her mother and cooking the produce from her garden. She enjoyed entertaining her friends and family, preparing many delicious gourmet meals.

Polly was a lover of all of God's creatures, big and small. She spoiled many dogs and rescued numerous cats throughout her life, including her beloved Lil Bear and Annie. At one time, Polly even raised chickens and enjoyed going to the henhouse and retrieving fresh eggs each morning.

Growing up, Polly's family had a cabin at Star Island on Cass Lake, in Northern Minnesota. Here she learned to swim, sail and waterski. She loved her time on the lake and always felt most herself near the water. Later in her childhood she would go to Camp Widjiwagan in Ely, MN, eventually becoming a camp counselor at the camp. She enjoyed canoeing, and hiking in the wilderness of the Boundary Waters. Polly was also an avid downhill and cross-country skier.

Polly was a woman of many talents. She was extremely creative, an excellent writer, artist and superb seamstress. She would craft clothing items putting her own twist on their creation thus making it uniquely her own. You could give her your idea and she would create it. Many people benefitted from her various talents.

Polly graduated from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. She had several career pursuits, starting as a salesperson at JC Penney in Duluth, MN, and as an advisor at Franklin Templeton in San Francisco, CA. Later she followed in her father's footsteps and got her state of Wisconsin Real Estate license and developed a farm into a residential community just outside of the Twin Cities area. Her final position was with the NASDA as an Agricultural Survey Field Enumerator. Working from home, she enjoyed reaching out to farmers and ranchers across America.

Polly's parents, James K and Mary Jane Mugg predeceased her. Her sister, Gwen Ann Mugg, of Daytona Beach, FL, survives her.

Simple Cremation Montana has assisted the family. Remembrances and Condolences may be sent to the family at simplecremationmt.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Helena Independent Record on Oct. 28, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Polly Burnham

Sponsored by Simple Cremation-Sunset Funeral Service.

4 Entries

Lynn Bergal

August 4, 2024

I am sad to read of Pollys passing. She use to rent an apt from my husband when we first got married in Duluth Mn.( 1980's) She was such a fun person. I still have her carmel roll recipe! Delicious. My husband ( who recently passed ) had kept her business card from when she worked at Burnet Realty in White Bear Lake MN. I thought I would look her up and then discovered she had passed away. She added a lot of joy to the world. Lynn Bergal

Gail Scarlett

November 14, 2023

Polly was my best friend in 2nd through 3rd grades at Wildwood Elementary School, Mahtomedi, MN. I am so sorry to hear of her passing and send my condolences to her sister Gwen.

Gwen Mugg

November 5, 2023

My sister Polly was comical & had some of the greatest ideas ever. When we were younger we had the best of times. That girl had friends beyond counting. One time, a bit ago, she asked me, living in Kansas City. MO, if I would take care of her friend who was traveling east. When I met her "friend" at the appointed location, it was 10 travelers! That was Polly! This was a woman who could mesmerize you with her accomplished flute playing. Her voice was so beautiful, when she sang you knew she was touched by the Angels. She will be dearly missed by people all over this country. Be loved, Polly. XXXX, Gwen

Felicia Wallace

October 28, 2023

I´m so sorry to learn of Polly´s passing. She was a very special lady. She most likely at one time knew my Sister in Law from Townsend, Linda White.

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