Maria A. (Frey) Polli, of York, entered into rest at WellSpan York Hospital on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the age of 60. She was the devoted wife of John M. Polli, whom she married on September 3, 1999.

Born in York on September 13, 1965, Maria was the daughter of Terry L. Frey of Windsor and Mae Ruth (Kohler) Frey of Red Lion, and the stepdaughter of Bonnie J. Frey. She graduated from Red Lion High School, Class of 1983. Prior to dedicating herself to community efforts, Maria worked for more than 20 years as a secretary of Morris & Vedder law firm and the office manager at United CoolAir, a position she held until 1999.

Maria will be remembered for her quiet dedication to the well-being of others and her sense of responsibility to the York community. She and her husband, John, offered thoughtful and substantial support to the WellSpan York Cancer Center and the behavioral health unit at WellSpan York Hospital, always with the intention of improving the quality of care for patients and families during their most vulnerable moments. Maria was also a strong supporter of the York County Library System and of LOGOS Academy and believed deeply in expanding educational access and opportunity for children. They also helped fund a building for entrepreneurial students at Penn State York.   In the early 2000s, she and John established a family fund to serve students in the districts they once supported, with a focus on children in grades 4 through 8 who lacked access to proper nutrition, healthcare, or daily necessities.

Over the last few days, John has received numerous messages from friends, colleagues, and community members expressing their condolences and sharing how warmly they remember Maria. Her kindness, humility, and gentle nature left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Even while facing her own health challenges, she remained gracious, resilient, and compassionate.

In recognition of their longstanding service and leadership, the Martin Library Honors Committee has selected John and Maria as their 2025 Fall Honorees. They will be recognized at Martin Library on November 5, 2025.

Maria loved her sons, Adam and Nicholas, beyond measure. She cared deeply for others at every level of the community. She cherished time spent with family at their home in Sarasota, where she found peace and joy. She and John traveled to 23 countries together, and she held a special fondness for Alaska, Africa, South America, and the Baltic Sea. Maria is now reunited with her beloved dog, Sophie, a Weimaraner she adored.

In addition to her husband and parents, Maria is survived by her sons, Nicholas John Polli, and Adam Michael Polli, both of York. She also leaves her sister, Lisa L. Kintzel, and husband, Guy, of York; and her brother, Duane L. Frey, of Windsor. She is remembered lovingly by a large extended family who will miss her dearly.

The family would also like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Jill Roth, Maria's loving and committed caregiver.

A viewing for Maria will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Living Word Community Church, 2530 Cape Horn Road, Red Lion. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 am with Pastor Connie Milchling officiating. Guests are kindly asked to park on the south side of the church and enter through doors 2 or 3. A reception will follow the service, and the burial will take place privately. For those who wish to join via livestream, the link will go live at 10:30 am. Please visit: https://vimeo.com/event/5464641/813ada3b3e. Wagner-Elfner and Burg Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 134 W. Broadway, Red Lion, is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be offered in Maria's memory to York County Libraries, 159 East Market Street, York, PA 17401 or to Pappus House, 66 Big Mount Road, Thomasville, PA 17364.