Paulette “Polly” May (Kaercher) Lander, 81, of Independence Township, passed away on March 28th, 2026, at West Penn Hospital. She was born at West Penn Hospital on October 10th, 1944, a daughter of the late Howard Dustin Kaercher and Anna Mae (Roadman) Kaercher. She married the love of her life, Gerald Boise Lander, on May 9th, 1964. He also preceded her in death. They had three children: Kevin (Denise) Lander of Hookstown, Scott (Deb) Lander of Dover, and Marcy (Keith) Whiteman of Aliquippa. Kids were the apple of Polly’s eye especially her grandchildren: Dustin (Shayla) Lander, Kori Lander, and Dalton Lander, Zack (Tasia) Lander, Madison (Jesse) Tinnell, Kirstin Fink, Nick (Lexi) Fink, Collin Whiteman, Samantha Whiteman and Rob. However, her great grandchildren stole her heart forever: Easton and Enzlo Lander, Asher Lander, and Ellie Fink. She is also survived by her nieces, nephews, cousins, and many fabulous friends. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Diana Tibbetts and her in-laws: Benjamin and Irene Lander and Anna Mae, Grace, and Richard Lander. Polly worked as a dietician at West Penn Hospital. She was a homemaker until taking the position as the Library Aide at Independence Elementary School. She worked full time at Independence as the school secretary. She enjoyed spoiling her teachers, parents, and students. Polly was a member of Mt. Olivet Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Aliquippa. She served as Sunday School Superintendent, music leader to the children, Vacation Bible School Director, Sunday School teacher, a member of the choir, and bowled many years on the church league. Polly will be remembered for her loving, generous heart and her competitive nature. She loved playing card games especially Skip-Bo.

Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, March 31st, from 3-7 p.m. in the HUNTSMAN FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, INC. OF ALIQUIPPA, 2345 Mill Street, Aliquippa , who was in charge of her arrangements. A funeral service will also be held at the Mt. Olivet Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 4128 Route 151, Aliquippa, on Wednesday, April 1st, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Kevin Neal officiating. Interment will be private for the family.

At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Mt Olivet EPC Memorial Fund, 4128 Rt 151, Aliquippa, PA 15001. Independence Elementary Library, 103 School Rd., Aliquippa, PA 15001. Mt Pleasant EPC Honduras Scholarship Fund, 846 St Rt18, Aliquippa, PA 15001.