Polly Stokes Pierson

Pierson, Polly Stokes (1926-2004) A wonderful mother and grandmother, cat-lover and a very dear friend to so many, died on April 5th peacefully, at home with her family around her. Polly was born to Walter and Polly Stokes on August 22, 1926 in Manhattan and attended the Chapin School. She pursued her BA and Masters at Radcliff and graduated with the class of 1948. Polly spent her summers in Cooperstown, New York where she met Frank Romer Pierson in 1945, marrying him in 1948. They moved to California in the early 50's and raised two children, Michael and Eve. A resident of Malibu for over fifty years, Polly enjoyed keeping homes on both coasts. Polly was an investor and loved the arts. She was a backer of many successful Broadway shows, such as The Producers, Hairspray, and the revival of Guys & Dolls. She was also a generous supporter of many other performing arts companies and was particularly involved with the Glimmerglass Opera in Cooperstown from its inception. Travel was another love of Polly's and she spent a large part of her adult life doing so with her friends and family. Always up for an adventure, she enjoyed Europe, Africa, South America, Cuba, Russia, India, and the Galapagos. Throughout her very full life, she maintained her friendships stead-fastly, both those from her youth and school days and those she met in California. These friends were so very important to her, and her children wish to thank them all for the love and concern they have always shown and continue to send their way! We raise a glass and toast the fun and friendships she shared with so many! She is survived by her son and his family, Michael, Maggie, Colin, Emmet, and Gracie, and her daughter and her family, Eve, Hannah, and Ben, as well as her ex-husband and his wife, Frank and Helene.