Pauline 'Polly' Rothwell Piser

NEWARK - Pauline "Polly" Rothwell Piser of Newark, formerly of Glen Farms, Md., passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2008, at Millcroft.

A native Delawarean, Mrs. Piser was born in Smyrna, daughter of prominent local businessman, the late George C. Rothwell, and the late Neva Rothwell.

She was active in the community throughout her life, most notably as a volunteer with the Republican Party of Cecil County. During her many years of political work, she often traveled to the White House in Washington D.C. to coordinate GOP events and fundraisers.

She also volunteered at Union Hospital as a member of the Women's Auxiliary.

In her leisure time, Mrs. Piser greatly enjoyed duplicate bridge and was a member of numerous bridge clubs.

A fan of Thoroughbred racing, she celebrated the annual "Polly Piser Duplicate Bridge Cup" at Delaware Park.

She also enjoyed spending time with her many friends at the Newark Country Club.

Her husband, John Piser, passed away in 1981. She was also preceded in death by her stepmother, Eleanor Rothwell, and by her sister and her brother-in-law, Marian and Benjamin Johnson.

She is survived by 4 sons, John Piser, Jr. of Wilmington, George R. Piser and wife, Betty, of Middletown, DE; P. Eric Piser and wife, Ann Marie, of Newark; and Kurt R. Piser and wife, Judith, of Hockessin, DE; nephew, Roger Kelsey of Smyrna, DE; dear friend, Phyllis Panico of nearby PA; nine grandchildren; and 16 great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 W. Park Place, Newark, where friends may call after 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Old St. Anne's Cemetery, Middletown.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mrs. Piser may be made to the Union Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, 106 Bow St., Elkton, MD 21921.