Polly WEST

SCARBOROUGH -- Polly West-Huot, 40, of Scarborough, died at the Southern Maine Medical Center, Biddeford, after a brief hospitalization following a courageous seven- year fight with colon cancer. Her family and friends had kept a vigil at her bedside. Polly was born May 18, 1965, in Jamaica, Vt. She grew up in Woodstock, Vt., and attended local schools there. She earned a BA from Johnson College in Vermont and attended the University of London in London, England. A woman of wide ranging interests, Polly immersed herself with intense passion and energy in whatever activity she pursued. She had a great love of nature and all its creatures. Her first pony was waiting for her when she was born, and many more followed as her abilities increased. Polly and her family had a long and successful horse show career together while in Woodstock. She went on to become one of the few rated women polo players in the U.S. She was an outstanding associate in her mother's real estate office and a fervent supporter of the Woodstock Humane Society. For the past seven years, Polly has lived in Maine with her husband, David Huot, a sports videographer who shared her athletic interests and zest for life. The couple bought an old farmhouse in Scarborough, which she rehabilitated with a vengeance. Polly's love and respect for nature was always evident in her life. Hundreds of birds flocked to the many feeders at her home. She developed extensive flower and vegetable gardens and enjoyed raising her beloved hens and keeping bees. Polly was also instrumental in the successful preservation of the 430-acre Meserve Farm by the Scarborough Land Conservation Trust. Polly is survived by her husband, David Huot of Scarborough; her parents, Barbara West of Quechee, and Paul West of Woodstock; her stepparents, Michael and Barbara; a brother, Paul of Quechee; and a sister, Tammy Kennedy of Charlotte, Vt. She also leaves five stepsisters, treasured in laws, many aunts, uncles, cousins, a grandmother, and many dear friends. Polly's family wishes to thank the staff of the intensive care unit of SMMC for their compassion, care, and support. A outside celebration of her life will be held at Polly and Dave's home at 64 Burnham Road, Scarborough, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3.