DEXTER, MI — University of Michigan Medical Community and Town of Dexter Grieve Loss of Beloved Nurse Polly Suzanne Hodge-Olson
The tight-knit communities of Dexter, Michigan, and the University of Michigan Health System are mourning the tragic and untimely death of Polly Suzanne Hodge-Olson, a beloved Labor & Delivery Registered Nurse at Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital in Ann Arbor. Polly passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2025, following a sudden and devastating accident. She was 47 years old.
News of Polly’s passing has left a profound void among her family, friends, coworkers, and countless patients whose lives she touched over the years. An outpouring of love and tributes from all corners of the medical and local community has followed, highlighting the remarkable impact she had on those around her.
A Nurse, a Healer, a Light
For over two decades, Polly Hodge-Olson dedicated her life to the field of maternal health, serving with heart, skill, and unparalleled compassion at the Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital, part of Michigan Medicine. Colleagues and former patients remember Polly not only for her clinical excellence but for the comfort and reassurance she brought to families during some of the most emotional and life-changing moments of their lives.
“She had this incredible gift of making you feel safe, even when things were scary,” said one former patient, now a mother of two. “She held my hand and talked me through my delivery like we had known each other forever. That’s who she was—she made you feel like family.”
Polly’s passion for nursing extended beyond the hospital room. She was known among her peers as a mentor, a teacher, and a beacon of calm in high-stress situations. Her laugh echoed through the halls, her presence brought steadiness to tense moments, and her kindness left lasting impressions on everyone she encountered.
The Tragic Accident
While full details of the accident that claimed Polly’s life have not been publicly released, her sudden passing on the afternoon of May 24 has sent shockwaves through the Dexter and Ann Arbor communities. What was supposed to be a regular weekend day turned into a day of unimaginable loss for the Hodge-Olson family and all who knew her.
Emergency services responded quickly to the scene, but despite their efforts, Polly was pronounced dead shortly after the incident. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days.
A Life Rooted in Family and Service
Polly was much more than a nurse. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, daughter, sister, and loyal friend. To her family, she was the heart of the home—a woman of deep values, unshakable strength, and warm affection.
“She was everything to us,” a family member said through tears. “She loved fiercely, lived fully, and gave endlessly. We are broken, but so proud of the life she lived and the people she helped.”
She lived in Dexter, where she was actively involved in local school events, community health education, and support groups for new mothers. Known for her radiant smile and her ability to connect with people of all walks of life, Polly was deeply woven into the fabric of the town she called home.
Tributes and Remembrance
In the days since Polly’s passing, tributes have poured in from co-workers, patients, and friends across the state. A memorial outside Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital has grown with flowers, cards, and candles left in her honor. A candlelight vigil is scheduled in Dexter this coming weekend, where loved ones and community members will gather to celebrate her life and legacy.
“Polly was the best of us,” said one colleague. “She showed up every day with compassion, curiosity, and a determination to care. Her absence is felt in every hallway, every patient room, and every heart.”
Continuing Her Legacy
The Hodge-Olson family has expressed their deep gratitude for the outpouring of support and love during this incredibly difficult time. Plans are underway to establish a scholarship fund in Polly’s name to support nursing students entering the field of maternal and women’s health—ensuring that her legacy of care continues for generations to come.
In honoring Polly Suzanne Hodge-Olson, we remember a woman who made the world gentler, safer, and more beautiful—one patient, one birth, and one act of kindness at a time.
May she rest in peace, and may her memory be a guiding light for those who follow in her footsteps.