Prajnya Naughton

Prajnya Elizabeth Naughton, known to her many friends and loved ones as Polly, passed away suddenly in the early hours of February 9, 2020. She was 28 years old.

She was born in New Britain, Connecticut, to Alexander and Kathleen Naughton. Her father, who shares her birthday, chose her name: Prajnya, from the Sanskrit for “wisdom.” She usually used her nickname, Polly, throughout her life. Polly graduated from Madison West High School in 2012. She held several part time jobs, including at Sephora, at Barrique’s, and at the Monona Terrace Hilton, as well as volunteering weekly at UW Hospital. She was a skilled photographer, as well as an accomplished pianist of many years. Polly loved to travel and had just returned from a trip to Disney World in late January. She enjoyed card games and movies, had an unerring fashion sense, and gave great hugs. She was a cheerful, bubbly person who brought joy to everyone who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents and many great-aunts and -uncles. She is survived by her parents; her sisters, Hannah and Claire Naughton; her great-aunt Martha Bixler; her great-uncle Kenneth (Diane) Hill; her aunts and uncles, Katherine Naughton, Michael (Judy) Naughton, George (Cindy) Naughton, Pamela (Sheryl Jones) Hill, Laura (Timothy) Gates, Douglas (Cassandra Phoenix) Hill; several first cousins; and many more extended family, as well as countless beloved friends.

A private memorial will be held at her aunt’s house. In lieu of flowers, her family would welcome donations to the Waisman Center in Polly’s memory (waisman.wisc.edu/giving).