Mary Ann "Polly" Rayner

Mary Ann "Polly" Rayner, 91 of Bethlehem passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 18, 2017. She was known to most as Polly born on August 2, 1925 in Bethlehem, PA. She was the daughter of the late Ivan and Cecelia (Szkledar) Rayner of East 3rd St. Polly lived her life in Bethlehem attending Liberty High School, then graduating from Moravian College. Her field of work and one of the loves of her life was journalism. While attending Moravian College, she started her career working part-time at the Morning Call in its original location on Main Street in Bethlehem. Polly stayed with the Morning Call for 50 years, where she became the executive editor of the lifestyles and fashion section. Along the way, she earned numerous awards including two Aldo Awards (91', 98') for outstanding work in the field of fashion, newspaper magazine and television. She was also honored as Pennsylvania's news writer of the year in 1982. Her proudest moment as a journalist was receiving the prestigious Comenius Award from her alma mater, Moravian College, recognizing outstanding achievement in her field of work.

Polly was philanthropic in nature and a generous supporter of numerous organizations, colleges and causes. She had a wonderful passion for life, enjoyed traveling the world and sharing her love for arts and theatre with her family and friends. Her positivity and contagious smile inspired all around her. Polly's thoughtfulness and generosity were some of her greatest traits, never forgetting a birthday, anniversary or special date.

Survivors: Polly will be lovingly remembered by brothers Frank (Bethlehem, PA), Steven (Westfield, NJ) and their wives Helen and Phyllis. She was a caring aunt to Susan Rayner and Janet Ciliotta, great aunt to Kara, Steven and Keith and Great-great aunt to Jackson. Loving cousin to Geraldine Wert and family, Gerri Ann, Joe and John. She will also be remembered by a group of loving friends whom she enjoyed the company of.

Services: A viewing will be held on Monday, January 23 at Connell Funeral Home 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018 from 11:00am-1:00pm with a service to immediately follow. Burial at Holy Saviour Cemetery, 2575 Linden St.

Contributions: Memorial contributions may be made to Moravian College Alumni Association 1200 Main Street Bethlehem, PA 18018 (610) 861-1366.

Cemetery
Holy Saviour Mausoleum
2575 Linden St.
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

Viewing
Monday, January 23, 2017
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Funeral Service
Monday, January 23, 2017
1:00 PM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531