Nina M.C. Poland (95) of Effingham

Nina M.C. Poland, 95, of Effingham, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at Effingham Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Effingham

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a private family graveside service will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Effingham. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Devon Poland Wear Scholarship c/o Effingham Park District, 1906 South Fourth Street, Effingham, IL 62401.  Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.

Nina was born June 18, 1924, in Le Mars, IA, daughter of the late John F. and Anna Mae (Blaylock) Folkers. She married Robert “Bob” Edison Poland, February 2, 1943, in Galveston, TX.

When Nina was 8, she, along with her parents and her siblings Virgil, Joe, and Agnes, moved to a farm in Fayette County, Illinois. She was raised on the farm and developed a strong work ethic. Though she never attended high school, she did earn her GED at the age of 72. 

Nina and Bob married while he was serving in the United States Army. During his time in the service, they lived in Galveston, TX, Corpus Christy, TX, and Fayetteville, North Carolina. After her husband got out of the service, they raised their children in Van Burenburg, IL and Vandalia, IL before settling in Effingham in May of 1960.

Bob and Nina started the Poland Pontiac-Buick car dealership May 7, 1957 on Henrietta Street in Effingham. During the early days of the business, Nina completed several General Motors business, management, and accounting courses. As the business grew, it moved twice to different locations on East Fayette Avenue. She finally retired in 2015 at the age of 90.

Nina and Bob enjoyed traveling across the country via motorhome and often spent the winters at their home in Bonita Springs, FL. After Bob passed away May 29, 1986, Nina continued her travels with cruises, bus tours, and road trips with friends.

She led a full life with family and friends. She stayed quite active even during her later years. She enjoyed bowling, playing bingo and cards, working in her yard, and rooting for the Cardinals. Over the years, she sewed a hand-made quilt for every member of her family. She was known for making her famous fudge and peanut brittle around the holidays. She also cared for several dogs over the years; her most recent dog, Mitzi, will miss her greatly.

Beyond her family, friends, and activities, Nina was also very involved in her community. She was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary #1769 since 1958. She held every office in that auxiliary and served as the president many times. She was a life member of the American Legion Auxiliary #95 of Vandalia since 1969. She was a life member of Disabled American Veterans Chapter #7 since 1970. She belonged to Eagles Club of Mattoon since 1970. She was a Charter Member of Business and Professional Women of Effingham. She was also a member of Centenary United Methodist Church of Effingham, the Eastern Star, the Zonta Club, and the Moose Club of Effingham. 

Nina is survived by her daughter, Sandra (Bill) Wear of Effingham and her son, Gary (Linda) Poland of Effingham; grandchildren, Nicole Wear-Maloney (Tim Maloney) of Effingham, Desha Wear of Effingham, Trevor (Vanessa) Wear of Chicago, Blaine (Julie) Poland of Effingham, Rachael (Bob) Orsborn of Effingham, Kory (Julie) Poland of Evansville, IN, and Kelsey Clark of Effingham; great-grandchildren Aidan, Teagan and Niav Maloney of Effingham, Cahl and Pryce Stewart-Wear of Effingham, Bauer and Emry Wear of Chicago, Brennan and Brayton Poland of Effingham, Ellie, Judson and Jay Poland of Evansville, IN, and Addison Clark of Effingham.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings; her husband, Bob; and her grandchildren, Holli Poland, Jena Poland, and Devon Wear.