Pauline “Polly” Hanson Rowold, age 97, of West Columbia, Texas, peacefully passed away on November 2, 2026, in Angleton, Texas.

She was born on September 26, 1929, in West Columbia, Texas, to Mogene (Clayton) Hanson and Birch Reynolds Hanson. She grew up in West Columbia, where she developed her strong values, lifelong friendships, and a deep sense of community.

A lifelong learner and dedicated professional, Polly graduated from Columbia High School in the Roughneck Class of 1947, where she was a class favorite, cheerleader, and basketball player. She continued her education at Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX. She joined the Tri Delt sorority and was majoring in drama, was a member of the College Players, and participated in theatrical productions.

Polly began her professional career in education, serving as secretary to several principals of West Columbia Junior High School for eight years. She later moved to Houston, where she enjoyed a distinguished 22-year career with the law firm of Bracewell & Patterson. Following her retirement, she returned to her beloved West Columbia, where she continued to be an active and treasured member of the community. Later in life she lived in San Marcos, TX for 10 years, but again returned to West Columbia.

Polly was a devoted member of Columbia Methodist Church, where she served in numerous leadership and volunteer positions throughout her lifetime. She was actively involved in the First Capitol Study Club, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the Daughters of the American Revolution, volunteer at Varner-Hogg Plantation, member of the Texas Women, board member and volunteer with the Columbia Historical Museum, and member of Brazoria Co. Retired Teachers Association. She was a dedicated member of the Rotary Club of West Columbia and San Marcos, where she was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow Recipient.

Throughout her life she was the great organizer of life's milestones, especially birthdays, family gatherings, and the accomplishments of those she loved. She had a soft spot for animals, especially cats of which she had many in her lifetime. Her hobbies were watching old movies, beach trips, decorating for the holidays, and most of all, volunteering. On her 80th birthday, Polly celebrated with a memorable family cruise to Mexico, and her 90th birthday was marked by a large family celebration in Houston. She was proud of Hanson Riverside Park which was named after her father in West Columbia, Texas, Brazoria County.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who treasured every generation of her growing family. She is survived by her daughter, Karen Mostyn (Buddy) and her son, Gene Randall Rowold (Charlotte), grandchildren: Anthony Rowold, Greg Mostyn (Mary Elizabeth), Paige Bowlin (Josh), and Kristin Williams (Blake), great-grandchildren: Julia Mostyn, Zachary Mostyn, Taylor Mostyn, Everett Bowlin, Henry Bowlin, Georgia Bowlin, Hunter Williams, and Walker Williams.

Polly was preceded in death by her parents, Birch R. Hanson and Mogene (Clayton) Hanson; her brother, Lynn Hanson; and her sister-in-law, Eleanor Hanson.

There will be a graveside service at Old Columbia Cemetery on Thursday November 5, 2026, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Columbia Methodist Church 315 S. 16th St., West Columbia, Texas.