Polly Schmidt-Pozega, 34, Duluth, Minn., formerly of Minot, N.D., died unexpectedly on Thursday, November 12th, 2009, at her home in Duluth.

Polly was born on August 13th, 1975, in Jamestown, N.D. Polly was adopted at the age of 3 by Gaylin and Nadean Schmidt of Minot. She attended elementary school at Longfellow and McKinley and then attended middle school at Erik Ramstad. Polly moved from Minot in 1989 and graduated from Denfeld High School in Duluth, where she was on the swim team.

Polly made it back to Minot at least once a year and she made the most of that time by spending as much time with her brother Kyle as possible. Every year they had a tradition of going to the Royal Fork Restaurant and to a movie on the Friday after Thanksgiving. That was always the highlight of her visits.

Polly loved her mom and dad more then anything and knew they were always just a phone call away and would always do anything for her and always did, no matter what she needed they always were able and willing to provide it. Polly loved to watch movies and talk on the phone to her many relatives as much as she could. Over the years Polly struggled with many health issues, but time and time again proved how tough she was and that she was a fighter.

Polly married Frank Pozega in December 2007 in Duluth. Although their time together was short, they were wonderful for each other and took care of each other with a lot of love.

Polly's birth sister, Lauri Sorensen, was able to find Polly in 2008 after many years of searching. The family all spoke on the phone for the first time on Christmas Eve 2008. Polly was able to meet her birth dad once this summer and was to meet the rest of the family this Thanksgiving. They were not able to meet in person, but did spend many hours talking on the phone and getting to know each other.

Those who shared in Polly's life: parents, Gaylin and Nadean Schmidt, brother, Kyle (Michelle) Schmidt, nieces, Shelby and Sheyenne Schmidt, all of Minot; Grandmothers, Norma Hanson, Turtle Lake, N.D., and Dorothy Thorson, Minot; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Her birth family: father, Rick Dockter, Jamestown, mother, Louise Williams, Dickinson, N.D., and sisters, Robin Kale, Apple Valley, Minn., and Lauri (Kelly) Sorensen, Minot.

Polly was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Dale Hanson and Orville Thorson.

Duluth service: Cremation has taken place and services will be held on Thursday, November 19th, at 11 a.m. with visitation at 10 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 2308 W. 3rd St., Duluth, Minn.

Minot service: There will be a memorial service at a later date in Minot.

A special thank you to all the social workers and caregivers who helped take care of Polly for the many years she spent in Duluth. Her family is forever grateful.