Polly Anne Hutchinson Brinkley, 40

Polly Anne Hutchinson Brinkley, lovingly called PJ by her parents, died peacefully in her sleep, at her home in Chelsea, Mass. on October 19, 2013. She was born in Sacramento, Calif., on Sept. 1, 1973. Polly was the youngest daughter of Colonel Jeff Hutchinson and Linda Hutchinson.

Polly was a gifted scientist who loved learning and pursued education with numerous academic accomplishments. Polly graduated from Bellevue West High School in Nebraska in 1991. She graduated Summa cum laude from the University of Mississippi with a BS in Chemical Engineering and a minor in Computer Science in 1999. Polly was recruited by the University of Texas at Austin, where she worked as a Graduate Asst. doing Bio-medical research while working toward a PhD.

Polly lived her life passionately. She was a vibrant and charismatic person who gave herself fully to anyone needing her time or help. Most people who knew Polly were mesmerized by her incredible intellect coupled with her love of humanity. You could not help but be drawn in by Polly's enthusiasm for life. Polly had a lifelong love affair with books of all genres and was currently reading The Ancient Secret of the Flower of Life, a book on quantum mechanics. Polly loved all music, and especially Scottish bagpipes. Polly loved traveling to new places, immersing herself in their cultures. She traveled extensively through Ireland, England, Scotland, Greece, and Mexico. Polly took great pride in her Scottish heritage and in her family. Polly called her children, Brent (17) and Haley (18), her angels, and she is now forever theirs.

Polly is survived by her children, Haley and Brent Brinkley, her parents, Jeff and Linda Hutchinson, sister and brother-in-law, Bill and Amy Clark, and nephews, Collin and Seth Ruane, along with a large extended family of cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandmothers, that will miss her greatly and mourn this beautiful woman, gone too soon.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to honor Polly's deepest desire; to see her children succeed educationally, as she firmly believed in the power of knowledge. Therefore, a memorial trust fund for Haley's and Brent's education will be set up. Additionally, Polly was humbled by the help she received in her life from Catholic Charities and believed they truly carried out the mission of Christ in helping people. Donations can be made there as well.

Services will be held at 4PM Sunday October 27, 2013 at English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St. Coeur d' Alene, Idaho 83814. Visitation at 3PM All information will be at [email protected]