Marian (Backus) Molthrop

Marian Theodosia Backus Molthrop was born September 19, 1916 in Chicago, Illinois. She died on May 9, 2016, four months before her 100th birthday.  She was predeceased by her parents, Theodore B.R. and Bertha S. Backus as well as her four older sisters, Ruth, Beatrice, Helen and Bertha (fondly named the “Beautiful Five Backus Sisters”).

Marian attended Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois as well as the University of Chicago. She was in Pi Beta Phi Sorority and a longtime member of AAUW. She was on the admissions staff of Georgetown University during the late 1950’s and early 1960’s.

Marian was married to her beloved husband, David M. Molthrop from 1937 until 1988, the year of his death. Theirs was a life filled with numerous moves to eight states. They were intrepid travelers throughout the U.S. and across the globe.

They are survived by two children, son David C. Molthrop and his wife, Judith McCall Molthrop of New Orleans, LA and daughter Susan M. Bridgers and her husband, J. Charles Bridgers, Sr. of Naples, FL.

Adored grandchildren are: Dr. David C. Molthrop and his wife, Carolyn O’Hara Molthrop; Morgan M. Molthrop; Lelia M. Sadlier and her husband, David; Heather E. Bridgers and her husband, Aaron G. Spencer; J. Charles Bridgers, Jr. and his wife, Soofia S. Khan.

Marian’s 10 great‑grandchildren gave her so much joy and they include: Elizabeth A. Molthrop, David Charles Molthrop III, Stuart Christopher Molthrop, Kelly A. Molthrop, Ada M.Sadlier, Bronwyn M. Sadlier, Aydin Khan Bridgers, Casper Khan Bridgers, Ava B. Spencer and Harper B. Spencer.

A lifelong reader, she kept a journal and wrote poetry. She was a wonderful correspondent and had friendships that lasted throughout her life. Although she stopped playing bridge after her husband died, she made sure the grandchildren and great grandchildren learned Florida Rummy. She was a woman with strong ideas and had an independent nature.

For thirty years she couldn’t wait to go to her summer home in Franklin, NC.  Starting in 1970, winters were spent in Florida so it was a friendly debate as to which locale was “home”.

Interment will be 11:00 am on Friday, May 13, 2016 at Woodlawn Cemetery in Franklin, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the charity suggested is: Florida Southern College Scholarship Fund, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, Florida 33801‑5698. Please specify: The David M. and Marian B. Molthrop Endowed Scholarship

Online condolences are available at bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.  Bryant‑Grant Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Molthrop family.

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