Saratoga Springs, NY - Denise F. Polit, 74, died at home on February 18, 2021 after a courageous battle with an extremely aggressive form of lymphoma.

Although Denise regretted not being able to live longer, she felt blessed at having lived a full and remarkable life. Having grown up poor, she especially appreciated the educational opportunities that her academic success allowed her to pursue (BA from Wellesley College – and Masters and Ph.D. from Boston College).

Denise taught for a couple of years at the Boston College School of Nursing where a publisher challenged her to write a textbook on nursing research – an event that resulted in the publication of two books that subsequently have been used around the world and translated into many languages. The 10th edition of one of those books was published the month before her death. Often referred to as the "Rock star of nursing research," Denise was honored to have been invited to teach or lecture in numerous countries on six continents – and to have received numerous awards for her teaching and writing.

Denise felt incredibly fortunate to have lived for over 30 years in her beloved community of Saratoga Springs, a city rich in the arts and community spirit. She contributed both philanthropically and by serving on the Boards of Directors/Trustees for many nonprofit organizations, including the Saratoga Foundation, the Saratoga YMCA, Saratoga Arts, Opera Saratoga, Home Made Theater, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, and Transitional Services Inc.

She is survived by her son, Alex O'Hara, a Public Defender in Pittsburgh, PA; by her good friend and caregiver, Joe O'Hara; and by a special, loving group of friends in Saratoga Springs, NY. She is also survived by three beautiful stepdaughters, Norah, Lauren and Alaine; their husbands, Chris, Vadim and Jeff; and five wonderful grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Alan Janosy, in June 2019 – and by her parents, Bronislaw Romanovitch and Cecile (neé Cruke) Romanovitch.

A small private ceremony was held for her at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373). Later this year, a more public interment ceremony will be held at the Greenridge Cemetery.

Denise would like to thank the remarkable medical and nursing staff for the caring and compassionate services she received at Saratoga Hospital during her many rounds of chemotherapy. Donations in Denise's memory may be made to the Saratoga Hospital Foundation, 211 Church Street, Saratoga Springs NY 12866.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.