Polly was born in Syracuse to Helen and Ray Parrott, the third of four children. A proud graduate of SUNY Fredonia, she earned her teaching degree and met the love of her life, Jim. She went on to pursue a master’s degree at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School and lived a vibrant young adult life in New York City and abroad—traveling through Europe, exploring the world, and pushing boundaries with a fierce independence and strong sense of self.
Polly and Jim married in September 1968 and soon welcomed their first child. They relocated from Mamaroneck to Cooperstown, where they became innkeepers at the Hickory Grove Inn. With love, humor, and the support of neighbors, they turned the Grove into a cherished gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
In 1987, Polly launched a new professional chapter as the proprietor of Country Memories, a gift shop in Springfield Center known for its beautifully curated home goods and welcoming atmosphere. She later took on a leadership role at Otsego 2000, a nonprofit dedicated to environmental preservation and community heritage. As Executive Director, she brought both vision and action. In 1991, she founded the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market—now a thriving local institution—connecting farmers and artisans with residents and visitors while revitalizing Main Street.
In 1998, Polly transitioned to become Executive Director of the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce, where she brought the same creative spirit and tireless energy. She developed signature events that put the region on the map, including the Snow Sculpture Workshop, Hare by Air, and the Pumpkin Festival, complete with its crowd-favorite giant pumpkin regatta. She also introduced health insurance options for Chamber members, a life-saving resource for small business owners.
Polly was a thoughtful leader and generous colleague, always crafting creative solutions and championing her community. Her dedication to service was woven into everything she did. She was an active member of St. Mary’s Parish in Cooperstown and, after moving to Richfield Springs in 2006, continued her commitment to faith and service at St. Joseph’s Church. Whether making an extra batch of apple muffins to share with friends, organizing funeral receptions through the bereavement committee, or planning the Relay for Life Team Tempura menu, Polly brought energy and joy to every adventure.
She was preceded in death by her husband and partner of 54 years, Jim Renckens, with whom she shared a joyful life raising three children and building strong, lasting ties in every community they touched. Their love and commitment to each other was evident to all who knew them, and their shared legacy continues in the lives they nurtured and the community they enriched.
Later in life, that same generosity and spirit of caring were returned to her by her close friends including by “the Hood,” the amazing families of Six Mile Point, who helped teach the next generation how to create a chosen family. Polly’s children wish to express their deepest thanks to these cherished friends who supported her through the past years with visits, phone calls, shared meals, and countless gestures of love. Your presence and care meant the world to her—and to us.
She is survived by her brother, Paul Parrott; her children, Shannon Varner Renckens and wife Jenn Varner Renckens of Saugerties; Patrick Renckens and wife Shannon Bennett of Saco, Maine; and Beth Gibbons and husband Mike Gibbons of Ypsilanti, Michigan.
She is also survived by her seven grandchildren: Keegan and Finnegan Renckens; Lilian and Cecelia Renckens; and Jonah, Patrick, and Andrew Gibbons.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate to the Richfield Springs Food Pantry or a food pantry in your own community, honoring Polly’s lifelong dedication to helping others. Polly’s family welcomes all to gather in remembrance, wearing floral patterns in her honor and joining in laughter, stories, and shared grief.
Calling Hours:
- Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM
- Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, NY
Funeral Mass:
- Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM
- St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church, 31 Elm Street, Cooperstown, NY
- Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Index
If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.
