from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Esther Bier, 67, a devoted horsewoman and wife of Art Bier, died at her home on July 6, 2011, after a long battle with cancer.

Although Mrs. Bier was currently living in Smyrna, Del., she was introduced to the sport in 1960 in Monticello, N.Y. She worked as a waitress across the street from the racetrack. It was there she caught the eye of horseman Art Bier. The two were married for 48 years at the time of her passing.

The couple met in New York, but traveled around the country racing horses for several years. She accompanied her husband coast to coast from Bay Meadows to Green Mountain. Later in their careers they spent most of their time competing in Pennsylvania, before relocating to Delaware.

She was an active force behind the success of the Bier Stable, owning horses for four decades. However, the equine love of her life was Riley Rose. The daughter of Real Artist won over $500,000, took a career best of 1:49.2 and brought unexplainable joy to Mrs. Bier.

Not only was Mrs. Bier a lover of the game of harness racing, she also passed on her passion for the sport to her children. In addition to her husband, Mrs. Bier is survived by sons Daryl (Jenny), Sean (Crissy) and Tom (Bernadette); daughter, Danyell (Jeffrey) Long; and five grandchildren.

Mrs. Bier will be honored and celebrated in her hometown of Jessup, Pa. The viewing will be from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, July 15, at Arthur Albini Funeral Home, 1003 Church Street, Jessup, PA 18434. On Saturday, July 16, a mass will take place at St. Mary’s Church in Jessup at 9:30 a.m.