Lillian E Polyefko
Published March 2, 2015
Lillian Elizabeth Polyefko died at her home in Oak Harbor March 2, 2015, at the age of 91. Lillian was born in Fullerton, Calif., May 25, 1923, to Wallace and Elsie Gibson.
Lillian was an Alaska pioneer. Following World War II at the age of 24, she traveled by steamship and steam locomotive to Alaska and settled in the town of Anchorage, where she and her younger brother started a taxi cab company. She met and married James Polyefko, a successful business man. Together they built a string of thriving companies that, in a large way, helped develop the greater Anchorage, Eagle River and Chugiak areas. They settled in the Fire Lake area, where they were affectionately known as “Big Jim” and “Diamond Lil.”
Lillian was preceded in death by her husband, James, in 2001 and by one brother, Wallace B. Gibson. She lived in Alaska for 60 years and then moved to Oak Harbor in 2006. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi and the League of Women Voters.
Lillian is survived by four children, Dennis Christian, Jerry Christian, James Polyefko and Michael Polyefko.
Lillian requested no formal funeral services be conducted. Cremation was held with private family interment at Sunnyside Cemetery, Coupeville. Please visit Lillian’s page in the Book of Memories hosted at www.wallinfuneralhome.com to share memories and condolences. Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation, LLC, Oak Harbor, WA.