Margaret Bradley “Polly” Sherk, 98, formerly of New Haven and Pine Orchard, died peacefully on Feb. 21, 2013, in Yarmouth, Maine. She was the wife of the late F. Allen Sherk. Polly was born in New Haven on Sept. 13, 1914, the eldest daughter of the late Seymour Mersick Bradley and Ruth Bostwick Bradley. Polly attended Worthington Hooker School and Miss Day’s School, and was a graduate of Briarcliff Manor College. While working at The Foote School, Polly met F. Allen (Al) Sherk. They married in 1938 and moved to Milton, Massachusetts, where Al was master of Wolcott House at Milton Academy. They remained there, with the exception of the war years, until he was appointed headmaster of Hopkins Grammar School, New Haven, in 1953. At both schools, Polly spent many happy and busy years assisting with school activities and involving herself in each community. She played an important role as Hopkins grew into the vital institution it is today. She also enjoyed each summer with the family at their summer home in Deering, New Hampshire. In Milton, Polly served as a hospital volunteer, and in New Haven, she served on the board of the Yale-New Haven Hospital Auxiliary. She was also active in the Colonial Dames of Connecticut, the Junior League of New Haven, the North End Club, Daughters of the American Revolution, the New Haven Historical Society, and the Preservation Trust of New Haven. In addition, she was a member of the New Haven Garden Club and The Women’s Seaman’s Friend Society, of which she was president. Polly had served as a trustee of Center Church on the New Haven Green, at which her family had worshipped for many generations. Several of her ancestors were the first founders of The New Haven Colony. Polly loved art history and painted well into her 90s. She was also an avid swimmer and indoor gardener, activities she also carried out into her 90s. In 1974, Polly and Allen retired to Pine Orchard, living in her family’s home overlooking Long Island Sound. She was active in the Pine Orchard Chapel Association and the Branford Historical Society. Polly is survived by her children Truman E. Sherk of Branford, Susan B. Sherk of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Ellen S. Walsh of Yarmouth, Maine. In addition, she is survived by five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Polly enjoyed many vacations to Newfoundland, visiting friends and relatives.