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Somers High School Vassar College

MARIANNA KUHN Obituary

KUHN--Marianna "Polly", the first Democratic town supervisor of New Castle (Chappaqua) and a teacher, housing advocate, and leader of the League of Women Voters, has died at the age of 92. Raised in Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Evanston, IL, she was an alum of Vassar College and the Bank Street Graduate School of Education. A resident of Heritage Hills in Somers, she will long be remembered for her tireless service, good humor, sparkling blue eyes, tenacity as a tennis and bridge player, one-of-a-kind whooping laugh, and generosity to family, friends, and strangers. Her stamina remained astonishing. In the months following major surgery for cancer, age 91, she resumed volunteering at the Westchester Community Center, chaired meetings for her cooperative, put in an 11 hour day as a poll worker for the midterms, and registered dozens of Somers High School students to vote. The wife of Ed Kuhn, Jr., an editor, publisher and author who predeceased her in 1979, she is survived by her sons, Andrew, Eric and Ted, her daughters-in-law, Rachel Asher, Sandra Kopell, and Jane Torrence, and grandchildren, Sam, Theo, Olive, Elena and Genevieve. Contact for information about the forthcoming memorial service: [email protected]

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Published by New York Times on Jan. 3, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for MARIANNA KUHN

Sponsored by Her Loving Family.

23 Entries

Lila Belanoff

December 28, 2023

Held fast in my mind is Polly's humor, energy and her ability to "get it done".

Lila Belanoff

December 30, 2022

The memory of her energy, her sense of purpose for the things that were important to her are as vivid to me now as they were years ago.
It was a privilege to know her.

Nancy Melvin

December 28, 2022

Thankful to remember Polly now and in her years at her Cape house. Looking forward to staying in the house again this year. ~Nancy Melvin

emily schwarz

October 4, 2019

she was my elementary school teacher, when i was little, she was wonderful to know!

Rita RETZLAFF

January 16, 2019

I only knew Polly for a short time. During that time I developed a huge respect for her, her intelligence, wit & how she ran a meeting. What a role model and a hard act to follow!

Caroline Bernard

January 8, 2019

I served with Polly in New Castle government, in the League of Women Voters and during the start up years of Chappaqua Summer Scholarship Program (which I remember as being conceived around a dinner table at Polly's home). Her spirit and brightness and intelligence were always inspiring. It was a privilege to know her.

Dan Franklin

January 8, 2019

I was fortunate to be able to work with Polly, as members of the Westchester County Fair Campaign Practices Committee, but before getting to know her personally I was long aware of her reputation for integrity and skillful public service. She will be missed.

Josay Laventhol

January 7, 2019

Besides Polly's exuberant laugh I remember her amused chuckle that frequently entered her conversation. Close your eyes. You'll hear it. The headshot posted in the View Photo Gallery was taken at the Cape house in 2007. She so loved being there. Her elegant back stroke on that huge pond was a sight to remember. And how she wrestled that canoe into the water to paddle us around. An avid tennis player, we admired her style and grace on the court.
On Polly's third of December 92nd birthday, she wished to revisit the Chagall stained glass windows at the Union Church in Pocantico Hills. Lunch included a cupcake with candle and the staff singing happy birthday to her. When in the hospital Polly told my friend Jane and I that that had been her last good day.
A generous, caring, sharing friend, a good listener, interested in so many things, always asking questions. A doer for others.
How I will miss her.
Josay Laventhol, Somers, NY

Thomas Melvin

January 7, 2019

May she stay with all whom she met forever
To recall Polly is to be challenged and Inspired! Love, Tom

Lila Belanoff

January 7, 2019

Polly was an amazing force in the Town of New Castle. She is responsible for town government being in the hands of a professional Town Manager. She is truly an inspiration for others who want to make a difference .
Lila Belamoff.

Tom Hanrahan

January 7, 2019

I will never forget Polly. She was a very dynamic woman. I shared many laughs with her over the years and have only fond memories of her.

January 5, 2019

Polly was a very important role model for my wife, Ann Crampton, throughout Ann's young adult and adult life. I met Polly 30 years ago and instantly experienced a warm acceptance and welcome in her family. We had many day trips together and I value all the memories. She was truely special. Roy Opp, Denver, COr

josay laventhol

January 5, 2019

Joan Lang

January 4, 2019

Polly was a special friend and an inspiration:thoughtful,kind,energetic and inquisitive as well as fun,and I know how much I will miss her.

Ridgely Biddle

January 4, 2019

I have many happy memories of Polly over the years as a grandmother spending time with Sam and Theo out and about Katonah to working with Polly at the Community Center. I cherish her smile, her humor, and her intellect. My thoughts are with her family.

Bill Abranowics

January 4, 2019

I am not sure I ever met Polly but if Andy is any indication, she was something remarkable and hearing Rachel and him speak about her clearly demonstrates what love and admiration are about. Now we march on with that legacy and the responsibility to do as well as she clearly did.

Marge Slachmuylder

January 3, 2019

Remembering Polly's love of poetry, her love of the beach and of the waves and of her beautiful pond at the cape. Remembering a warm home with books, classical music playing, always some work in progress, a roaring fire, plants blooming, flocks of birds always at her bird feeder. And of course, remembering that glorious burst of laughter from a line in a poem or a story you told her or a Broadway show we shared.
Lucky to have been her friend.

January 3, 2019

She was a wonderful aunt and I cherish the time I had with her.
Ellen Messinger

Andrea Raisfeld

January 3, 2019

I had the honor of being with Polly at Andy and Rachel's house, at political meetings, a Christmas party, and at a seder in NYC. She was always a sharp and lovely presence and timelessly stylish. Polly was the kind of woman you looked up to--not only because of the statuesque figure she cut , but because her inner strength and intelligence was there for anyone to see and appreciate. She was the epitome of a modern woman in full. The world was enriched by her being part of it for so long!

Nancy Laun

January 3, 2019

She had the best laugh! It was an honor to have known her for so many decades. In addition to all of her great work, she was a great neighbor and family friend.

Craig George

January 3, 2019

Poly was one of the Greats. It's an honor to have know her, and her laugh! Godspeed Poly.

Leah Georg

January 3, 2019

My condolences to the family on the passing of your love one may you find comfort in Jesus words at John 6;40 , May the loving memories you shared with her help you cope with the loss

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