In Memoriam: Ceatrice Floriabell Polite 🕊️

March 25, 1936 – July 26, 2026

TODCO mourns the passing and celebrates the remarkable life of Ceatrice Floriabell Polite, a beloved community leader, housing advocate, mother, and champion for justice whose legacy will endure for generations throughout San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood.

Ceatrice Polite entered eternal rest on July 26, 2026, at the age of 90. Born on March 25, 1936, in Foreman, Arkansas, to John Isaac and Jessie Polite, she built a life defined by resilience, compassion, faith, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others.

In the 1960s, Ceatrice arrived in San Francisco as a single mother determined to create opportunities for her six children. What began as a personal journey to build a better future soon evolved into a lifelong dedication to serving her community.

As a leading organizer with Tenants and Owners in Opposition to Redevelopment (TOOR), Ceatrice became one of the strongest voices advocating for South of Market residents during a period of enormous change and displacement pressures. She fought tirelessly to protect families, seniors, and working-class residents whose communities and homes were threatened by redevelopment. Her advocacy helped shape a vision of neighborhood development that prioritized people, stability, and dignity.

Those who worked alongside Ceatrice remember her as both compassionate and fearless. She possessed a rare ability to bring people together while standing firm in the face of adversity. Her commitment to justice, fairness, and affordable housing helped build the foundation upon which TODCO's mission continues today.

In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, TODCO named Ceatrice Polite Apartments in her honor. Since opening in 1984, the property has stood as a lasting testament to what community-centered development can achieve. Developed with HUD and City Hotel Tax funding as the third site in TODCO's Yerba Buena housing developments, the building added 91 affordable apartment homes for seniors in South of Market.

More than four decades later, Ceatrice Polite Apartments remains an essential part of TODCO's commitment to providing safe, affordable housing in San Francisco. The property currently offers 44 studio apartments and 46 one-bedroom homes, enabling older adults to age in place within a vibrant and walkable neighborhood. Today, as TODCO owns and manages eight affordable housing communities serving more than 1,000 residents, the building bearing Ceatrice's name continues to embody her vision of dignity, stability, and opportunity for all.

Beyond her housing advocacy, Ceatrice worked professionally as a paralegal, applying her sharp intellect and deep sense of justice to help others navigate challenging circumstances. She was known for being "sweet as pie" while simultaneously being a formidable force whenever she defended her loved ones or her community.

Her life was grounded in a profound faith in God and Jesus Christ. Rather than limiting herself to one congregation, Ceatrice worshipped across denominations, following where her spirit led her. Her faith was expressed not only through prayer, but through service. She volunteered at food banks, spent time supporting seniors, and offered encouragement, kindness, and comfort to anyone in need.

Ceatrice was preceded in death by her parents, John Isaac and Jessie Polite; her sister, Beatrice Price; and her beloved children, Cleveland Polite, Wenldia Polite, and Glindia Polite.

She leaves behind a cherished family, including her daughters, Lindia Polite-Manning and Brenda Polite; her devoted youngest son, Craig Polite, with whom she shared an extraordinary bond; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

In her later years, Ceatrice faced dementia and Alzheimer's disease with grace, dignity, and courage. Through it all, Craig lovingly cared for her each day, ensuring she remained surrounded by comfort and love. On July 26, 2026, she passed peacefully in his arms, entering her heavenly rest embraced by the same love she had shared so generously throughout her life.

At TODCO, we honor Ceatrice Polite not only as the namesake of one of our communities, but as a visionary advocate whose work helped define the values we continue to champion today.

Her legacy lives on in every resident who finds stability in an affordable home, every senior who is able to age in place with dignity, and every community member who benefits from the neighborhoods she fought so hard to protect.

Thank you, Ms. Ceatrice Polite, for your leadership, your courage, your faith, and your enduring commitment to the people of South of Market. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.