Obituary of Joyce Lucille Pierce

Joyce L. Pierce, age 98, died peacefully on October 27, 2018 at Diamond Willow (Lester Park), moving into eternal residence with her beloved husband, (Dr.) Robert F. Pierce, her childhood sweetheart and husband of 50 years. Her life values included: being a loving spouse, a steadfast devotion to her family, involvement in the community (years of leadership at Lester Park School PTA, officer/member of UMD Faculty Wives, and the local AARP group), service to others (she volunteered for over 30 years at the CHUM Food Shelf), commitment to her faith/church (60 active years at Lakeside Presbyterian, leader within women’s ministry, choir member), being hospitable (frequent hosting of neighbors and friends for food and fun), enjoying card games (she was competitive), and a love for gardening. Joyce was petite, but powerful, just ask her two children: Stephen (Susie) {Chicago}and Karen (Bill) {Knife River}; or, her five grandchildren: Rachel Johnson (Tim Larson){Duluth}, Brad (Melanie) Pierce {Chicago},Tom (Karen) Hermanson {New Hampshire}, Craig(Lane) Pierce {Milwaukee}, Elizabeth (Luke) Beckman{Denver}, each of whose lives have some of the indelible print of Joyce’s positive qualities. Her greatest legacy is her family. She lived to welcome eight great-grandchildren into the world (now ages 21-newborn): Gretta, Mullen, Oliver, Juliet, Sarah, Nash, Breck and Pierce, each of whom has/will hear countless life stories of their beloved great-grandmother. Yes, her earthly presence is so missed, but her legacy of life lives on. Thanks to the very caring staff of Diamond Willow (Lester Park). A Celebration of the long and faithful life of Joyce L. Pierce will be held Monday, November 5th at 11:00 a.m. at Lakeside Presbyterian Church, 4430 McCulloch St., Duluth, with a visitation at 10:00 am. Memorials may be given to Lakeside Presbyterian Church or the CHUM Food Shelf. Please leave a memory of Joyce or words of support for her family at www.bellbrothersjarvidowd.com