Glenda T. Polonski

Glenda Theresa Keswell Polonski was born on March 17, 1967 in Durban, South Africa to Trevor and Theresa Keswell. Growing up in Apartheid South Africa, she lived a happy life as she went to school, practiced her Catholic faith, and spent time with her numerous friends and family members. Glenda was a sweet, loving, and caring person but she was also a tough cookie, growing up as the only girl with her brothers, Trevor, Dean, and Allan. Glenda worked for Barclay’s Bank in South Africa after graduating from high school.
In 1990, following the lead of her dear friends Antoinette and Lucy Smith, Glenda traveled to the United States to become a nanny for a family in New York City. Throughout the ‘90’s, she worked for two different families in New York and briefly in California. Glenda adapted to the fast-paced lifestyle of New York City and grew to love it making many friends along the way. After the nanny experiences, Glenda started a job with the Dan Klores public relations firm in New York City.
In May, 2000, she met Michael Polonski from Michigan at a Major League Soccer Match at Giants Stadium in New Jersey. They began a long-distance relationship which led to Glenda moving to Michigan in 2002. They married in 2005 and settled in the metro Detroit area. Their plans for a family were derailed in March, 2006 when Glenda was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer.
After initial bouts of chemotherapy and radiation, Glenda was able to return to her job in the human resource department at Thyssen Krupp steel in Detroit where she spent the next several years working while navigating chemotherapy treatments and endless bouts of pain. Glenda began her job at Thyssen Krupp steel in 2002 and she made many close friends while there. She worked full time while completing her degree and in 2009 was awarded her Bachelor’s degree in business management from Baker College.
Glenda was known for her loving spirit and enthusiasm for life. She had friends from all walks of life, all races and religious denominations, such was her loving nature. She was passionate about food and loved to cook and visit restaurants. Glenda also loved to travel. In addition to her many return visits to her native South Africa, she also visited numerous locations in the continental United States, Canada, England, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, and the Czech Republic.
Our beloved Glenda will be sorely missed throughout the world.

Beloved wife of Michael. Loving Daughter of Theresa and Trevor Keswell. Dear sister of Dean (Veronica), Allan (Gail) and Trevor (Elsie) Keswell. Cherished aunt to many nieces & nephews.

Visitation 1-8pm Wednesday, December 16 at Weise Funeral Home, 7210 Park, Allen Park (313-382-1150).

Funeral Service 10:00am Thursday, December 17 (In state from 9:30am) at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 19624 Wood, Melvindale.