Martha Pauline Berry Niel

Martha Pauline "Polly" Berry Niel, 89, of Lake Charles died peacefully in her home with her family by her side at 11:45 PM Sunday, June 24, 2012.

Polly was born in Florida and reared in Houston, TX, where she graduated from Lamar High School. She also graduated from the University of Southwest Louisiana, where she was in a number of organizations serving as President for the Women's Student Government and Phi Delta Epsilon. She was selected to membership in the "Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities".

She was a charter member of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church where she was a member of the Synod and selected to Elder Emirates as well as working as Church Secretary. She worked with committees of the Southwest Louisiana Presbytery, primarily the Presbyterian Women. She was a member of Lake Charles Church Women United and served as President while being honored with her selection of "Woman of the Year".

Mrs. Niel's sorority was important in her life, where she served the local Alpha Upsilon Chapter as an advisor and worked as District Collegiate Director, Area Collegiate Director as well as serving as National Extension Director, National Collegiate Vice President and was named National Phi Mu Alumna in 1992.

Polly was adored and loved by all those whose lives she touched. She will be deeply missed by all.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 59 years, Paul Niel and her parents, Blanche and George A. Berry.

She is survived by her daughter, Becky Wadsworth and husband Matt of The Woodlands, TX; her two sons, Greg Niel and his wife Leigh of Lake Charles and Bob Niel and his partner David Pace of Fischer, TX. She is also survived by her brother, George A. Berry and wife Marion; seven grandchildren, Thomas Wadsworth and wife Ellen, Tyler Wadsworth, Erik Niel and his wife Amanda, Lance Niel, Kristin Niel, Reagan Riquelmy and Rhett Riquelmy; two great-granddaughters, Madeline and Charlotte Wadsworth and one great-grandson, Cade Niel.

Funeral services will be at 3:00 PM Thursday, June 28, 2012 in St. Andrew Presbyterian Church of Lake Charles. Pastor Nanette Cagney, CLP will officiate. Interment will follow in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation Wednesday will be from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM in the funeral home. Visitation Thursday will be from 2:00 PM until the time of service in the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 4020 Hodges Street, Lake Charles, LA.