Ann Kissinger Bartle May, 87, passed away on Sunday, September 10, 2017 at Christiana Hospital surrounded by her family. Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, she obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland, and later earned two masters degrees from the University of Delaware, School of Education. She began her career as a home economics teacher at Easton Junior-Senior High School in 1955, and continued teaching at Central and Ogletown Junior High Schools in Newark, Delaware. In 1966, she became a guidance counselor at Wilmer E. Shue School, and later at Newark High School. She became the first female high school assistant principal in the Newark School District, and eventually became the first assistant principal of the then-new Glasgow High School. Later, Ann was named the first female assistant superintendent in Delaware, overseeing all New Castle County Schools. She often recalled the uproar surrounding female teachers beginning to wear pants in schools, and was a lifetime supporter of women pursuing their dreams. After retiring, she enjoyed traveling and golfing with her late husband Rob May, playing bridge and mahjong, and knitting and embroidering elaborate creations for her family. Her spirit of independence and sweet tooth will be remembered by all. Her memory will live on in her children, Liza Bartle (Larry Strahorn) and Jeb Bartle (Beth Maliner), her brother Phil Kissinger (Jan), her grandchildren Sarah and Evan Bartle, Justin Strahorn (Katie), her great-grandchildren Emma, Leah, and Kendall Strahorn, and her nephews Paul and Mark Kissinger. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Ruth Kissinger, and former husbands E. Lynn Bartle and John S.W. Smith.

The family invites you to toast Ann from 1:00 – 3:00 PM on Sunday, September 17 at the Courtyard Marriott Newark-University of Delaware on New London Road. Refreshments will be served. To celebrate Ann’s love of bright-colored fashion, please leave your somber clothing at home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made payable to the “American Lung Association” or “Planned Parenthood of Delaware” and sent in courtesy of R.T. Foard & Jones, Inc., 122 West Main Street, Newark, DE 19711.